Subacute mitochondrial liver disease in a patient with AIDS: possible relationship to prolonged fluconazole administration

Am J Gastroenterol. 1996 Jan;91(1):165-8.

Abstract

Azole-derived antifungal medications are particularly involved in drug-induced hepatic injury encountered in patients with AIDS. Fluconazole may induce multiple hepatic abnormalities usually characterized by asymptomatic and reversible mild hepatic necrosis. We here describe severe subacute liver damage occurring in a patient with AIDS who was receiving fluconazole maintenance therapy for a cryptococcosis. Hepatotoxicity was essentially characterized by mixed cytolytic and cholestatic liver tests abnormalities which improved after fluconazole discontinuation and worsened on fluconazole rechallenge. Optical microscopy demonstrated nonspecific abnormalities including granular aspect of the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes. In contrast, analysis of electron microscopy revealed unusual unreported features characterized by giant mitochondria with paracrystalline inclusions and enlarged smooth endoplasmic reticulum. All microscopic abnormalities were reversed after discontinuation of fluconazole. We suggest that persistent increased hepatic enzymes in HIV-infected patient taking fluconazole should prompt suspension of the treatment. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether careful monitoring of hepatic tests should be recommended in AIDS patients on prolonged fluconazole maintenance therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / complications
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / pathology
  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Antifungal Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antifungal Agents / adverse effects*
  • Biopsy
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / pathology
  • Cryptococcosis / complications
  • Cryptococcosis / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Fluconazole / administration & dosage
  • Fluconazole / adverse effects*
  • HIV-1*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Fungal / complications
  • Lung Diseases, Fungal / drug therapy
  • Mitochondria, Liver / drug effects*
  • Mitochondria, Liver / ultrastructure
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Fluconazole