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Diffuse malignant infiltration of the liver manifesting as a case of acute liver failure

Abstract

Background A 54-year-old male with a history of coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus and 120 pack years of tobacco abuse presented to the emergency room with right upper quadrant abdominal pain, decreased appetite and dark urine.

Investigations Laboratory investigations, chest radiograph, portal duplex, CT of the abdomen and pelvis, liver serologies and autopsy.

Diagnosis Fulminant hepatic failure secondary to metastatic small-cell lung carcinoma.

Management Supportive care.

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Figure 1: Macroscopic appearance of the liver of the case patient at the time of autopsy.
Figure 2: A microscopic section of the affected liver showing multiple nodular areas that represent tumoral invasion.

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Correspondence to Alvaro Koch.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Gilbert, J., Rutledge, H. & Koch, A. Diffuse malignant infiltration of the liver manifesting as a case of acute liver failure. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 5, 405–408 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpgasthep1154

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpgasthep1154

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