Canalicular cholestasis due to amiodarone toxicity. A definite diagnosis obtained by electron microscopy

Abstract

A case of jaundice due to canalicular cholestasis during amiodarone therapy is reported. A definite diagnosis was attained by ultrastructural evidence of a phospholipidosis pattern, a characteristic amiodarone-induced injury. Jaundice occurred within the third month of therapy. Serum bilirubin levels continued to increase in the two weeks following drug withdrawal. A slow decrease was observed in the following three months. Only four cases of jaundice associated with amiodarone therapy have been reported until now.