Cholestatic hepatitis related to use of irbesartan: a case report and a literature review of angiotensin II antagonist-associated hepatotoxicity

Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2002 Aug;14(8):887-90. doi: 10.1097/00042737-200208000-00014.

Abstract

We report a patient who developed cholestatic hepatitis shortly after starting therapy with irbesartan, one of the new, recently marketed angiotensin II antagonists. Serological studies and ultrasonography ruled out viral hepatitis and extrahepatic obstructive jaundice, respectively. A percutaneous liver biopsy showed a portal inflammatory infiltrate with eosinophils and marked cholestatic features in the perivenular area. Irbesartan was discontinued and the patient's jaundice resolved slowly over a period of several weeks, although mild biochemical cholestasis lasted for more than 1 year. There have been seven prior cases of angiotensin II antagonist-induced hepatotoxicity reported in the literature. A class warning for hepatotoxicity for these compounds should probably be considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Biphenyl Compounds / adverse effects*
  • Biphenyl Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / pathology*
  • Cholestasis / chemically induced*
  • Cholestasis / pathology*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / diagnosis
  • Hypertension / drug therapy
  • Irbesartan
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Assessment
  • Tetrazoles / adverse effects*
  • Tetrazoles / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Biphenyl Compounds
  • Tetrazoles
  • Irbesartan