Acute liver toxicity due to methylprednisolone: consider this diagnosis in the context of autoimmunity

Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol. 2013 Feb;37(1):100-4. doi: 10.1016/j.clinre.2012.10.015. Epub 2013 Jan 11.

Abstract

The occurrence of corticosteroid-induced hepatitis is a rare event that has been recently described in the literature. We report the case of an acute cytolytic hepatitis in a patient treated with methylprednisolone for multiple sclerosis associated with an autoimmune thyroid dysfunction. After ruling out other etiologies, we concluded that the acute liver injury was due to steroids, and we analyzed the specific circumstances in the literature where methylprednisolone may have been responsible for acute hepatitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoimmunity
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / diagnosis*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / immunology
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Methylprednisolone / adverse effects*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Methylprednisolone