Fulminant Emphysematous Hepatitis – A Rare Cause of Septic Shock

Authors

• Gonçalo Miranda Internal Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira, Covilha, Portugal
• Ana Catarina Dionísio Internal Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira, Covilha, Portugal
• Constança Azevedo Surgery Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira, Covilha, Portugal
• Eduardo Carvalho Intensive Care Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira, Covilha, Portugal
• Miguel Semião Surgery Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira, Covilha, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilha, Portugal
• Vítor Branco Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilha, Portugal
• Miguel Castelo-Branco Intensive Care Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira, Covilha, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilha, Portugal

goncaloflmiranda@gmail.com

Keywords

Abstract

Emphysematous hepatitis is a rare entity characterized by the replacement of hepatic parenchyma by gas, leading to acute liver failure. Often it occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus, liver disease or a recent history of abdominal surgery. We present a case of emphysematous hepatitis in a 74-year-old man with no recognizable risk factors. Despite the early broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy and supportive care, the condition progressed to a fatal outcome, as seen in other case reports. Early recognition of this condition and rapid and aggressive management may improve patient outcomes.