Diffuse hepatic necrosis with enlargement of the liver (acute and subacute yellow atrophy) - report of two fatal cases

ABSTRACT

Two cases showing extensive hepatic necrosis but with enlargement of the liver are hereby reported2. Both are multiparas and both are in the third decade of life (both 38 years old)3. Both had bleeding as the main complaint although one was having a miscarriage at the time of admission and the other hydatidiform mole which was later found malignant4. Both had clinical and laboratory findings suggestive of urinary tract infection; both had jaundice - one of several months duration and the other only of two weeks. Both had febrile reaction especially towards the latter part of the disease5. Bilirubin I findings were high in both - almost 2 mgs. per 100 c.c. in one and well above I mg. per 100 c.c. in the other - strongly suggesting liver destructive process6. On autopsy both livers failed to show gross evidences of liver destructive processes but histological examinations revealed diffuse necrosis of the liver cells in both organs7. The term "diffuse liver necrosis" appears more appropriate than the term "yellow atrophy" to designate these clinical conditions and pathologic processes since liver necrosis may not always be accompanied by atrophic changes. (Summary and Recommendations)