Before it crumbles: Fulminant Hepatic Failure secondary to Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Abstract

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is a relatively rare manifestation of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Clinical features, laboratory findings, and imaging of the liver are usually inconclusive, and liver biopsy may be required for confirmation. We present a case of an FHF in a woman 1 week after the diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Chemotherapy could not be instituted due to hepatic encephalopathy and other complications. Autopsy revealed diffuse infiltration of the liver parenchyma. This case illustrates the importance of early diagnosis and institution of chemotherapy, which may reverse the liver failure.

Keywords

• failure
• acute liver
• fulminating hepatic failure
• Hodgkin's disease
• Hodgkin's lymphoma