Acute Liver Failure Associated with Occupational Exposure to Tetrachloroethylene.
10.3346/jkms.2011.26.1.138
- Author:
Chuan SHEN
1
;
Cai Yan ZHAO
;
Fang LIU
;
Ya Dong WANG
;
Wei WANG
Author Information
1. Department of Infectious Disease, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China. zhaocy2005@163.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Drug-induced Liver Injury;
Liver Failure, Acute;
Plasma Exchange;
Tetrachloroethylene
- MeSH:
Adult;
Carcinogens/*toxicity;
Humans;
Liver Cirrhosis/pathology;
Liver Failure, Acute/chemically induced/*diagnosis/pathology;
Male;
*Occupational Exposure;
Plasmapheresis;
Tetrachloroethylene/*toxicity
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science
2011;26(1):138-142
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Tetrachloroethylene is a chlorinated solvent that is primarily used in dry cleaning and degreasing operations. Although the hepatotoxicity caused by tetrachloroethylene has been well documented in literature, it is rarely considered as a cause of acute liver failure. We report a case of a 39-yr-old man who was admitted to our hospital for acute liver failure due to tetrachloroethylene exposure. Histological examination of the liver revealed massive hepatic necrosis, prominently, in zone 3 of the hepatic lobules. The patient underwent supportive treatment along with 3 sessions of plasmapheresis, and consequently, he presented a favorable outcome. Repeat liver biopsy performed 6 months after the patient's discharge showed architectural distortion with postnecrotic cirrhosis. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of acute liver failure induced by tetrachloroethylene. Early plasmapheresis can be effective for individuals with sufficient capacity for hepatocyte regeneration.
