1/2. metformin-induced cholestatic hepatitis.OBJECTIVE: To report a case of metformin-induced cholestatic hepatitis. methods: We present a detailed case report, including laboratory and biopsy findings. In addition, similar cases from the literature are reviewed. RESULTS: In a 68-year-old man with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus, metformin therapy was begun. The dosage initially was 500 mg twice daily and later was increased to 850 mg twice a day. Four weeks after met-formin treatment was initiated, jaundice, pruritus, and liver enzyme abnormalities were noted. The patient underwent an extensive work-up, including a hepatitis screen, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, all of which showed normal findings. A liver biopsy revealed severe cholestasis and mild portal inflammation. Treatment with metformin was discontinued, and the liver enzymes normalized except for a persistently increased level of alkaline phosphatase, most likely related to a prolonged cholestatic effect of metformin. CONCLUSION: Although rare, metformin can be responsible for inducing liver damage, and patients and physicians should be aware of this side effect.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/2. Primary pancreatic Burkitt's lymphoma mimicking carcinoma with obstructive jaundice and very high CA19-9.Primary pancreatic lymphoma is a rare neoplasm. We report the case of a 49-year-old man who presented with biliary obstruction due to a neoplasm involving the pancreatic head. Initial computed tomography revealed a suspicious periampullary mass. Consequently, magnetic resonance imaging was performed 16 days later, showing a relatively clearly defined and homogeneous signal mass in the pancreatic head with biliary dilatation on enhanced study. In combination with high tumour marker associated antigen CA19-9 levels (1872 and 2110 U/ml), these findings were highly suggestive of a pancreatic carcinoma. He underwent Whipple's procedure. Examination of the surgical specimen revealed a Burkitt's lymphoma. This case demonstrates that lymphoma can present with features mimicking pancreatic head carcinoma on imaging, clinical and laboratory studies. Neither clinical nor imaging nor laboratory methods indicate correct diagnosis, but a relatively clearly defined and homogeneous mass should prompt the physician to include lymphoma in a differential diagnosis of a pancreatic mass.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |