A case of allopurinol-induced granulomatous hepatitis with ductopenia and cholestasis / 대한간학회지

Allopurinol-induced hypersensitivity syndrome is characterized by an idiosyncratic reaction involving multiple-organs, which usually begins 2 to 6 weeks after starting allopurinol. In rare cases, the adverse reactions to allopurinol are accompanied by a variety of liver injury, such as reactive hepatitis, granulomatous hepatitis, vanishing bile duct syndrome, or fulminant hepatic failure. Here we report a case with granulomatous hepatitis and ductopenia. A 69-year-old man with chronic renal failure, hyperuricemia, and previously normal liver function presented with jaundice, skin rash, and fever 2 weeks after taking allopurinol (200 mg/day). In histopathology, a liver biopsy specimen showed mild spotty necrosis of hepatocytes, marked cholestasis in parenchyma, and some granulomas in the portal area. There were vacuolar degeneration in the interlobular bile ducts and ductopenia in the portal tracts. Pathologic criteria strongly suggested the presence of allopurinol-induced granulomatous hepatitis with ductopenia and cholestasis. The patient fully recovered following the early administration of systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Rapidly Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease Associated with Dermatomyositis; A Case Report / 대한류마티스학회지

A previously healthy 44-year-old woman who was diagnosed as having dermatomyositis suddenly developed severe dyspnea while being in the state of improved condition of muscle weakness. Interstitial lung disease was found on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). In spite of the treatment with the immune-modulating agent (high dose steroid, cyclophosphamide, immunoglubulin and cyclosporine), her condition deteriorated further and rapidly, leading to death. More intensive agent such as FK506 would be necessary in those cases of dermatomyositis-related interstitial lung disease that have poor prognostic factors.

A Case of Recurrent Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis Associated with Recurrent Pneumoperitoneum / 대한소화기학회지

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is an uncommon condition of unknown etiology, characterized by the presence of multiple gas filled cysts in the gastrointestinal tract. Many different causes of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis have been proposed, including mechanical, pulmonary, and bacterial causes. Approximately 85% of cases are thought to be secondary to coexisting disorders of the gastrointestinal tract or the respiratory system. The condition has been associated with the therapeutic uses of lactulose, steroids, and various cancer chemotherapeutic regimens. Lactitol is a disaccharide analogue of lactulose which is available as a pure crystalline powder. There are three previous case reports suggestive of lactulose causing pnumatosis intestinalis. We report a case of recurrent pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis associated with benign recurrent pneumoperitoneum developed probably secondary to lactitol therapy.