Novelty Statement
In this paper, Hepatitis E that developed while on immunosuppressive therapy could be safely treated with ribavirin and continued chemotherapy. This study provides clinicians with new information and suggestions for improving the clinical outcome of patients with HEV infection.
Abstract
The main differentials in cases of sudden elevation of hepatic enzyme levels during immunochemotherapy are reactivation of hepatitis B virus or drug-induced liver injury. Here, we report a case of acute liver injury caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) during chemotherapy for malignant lymphoma, wherein the patient was successfully treated and completed chemotherapy.
A 57-year-old woman visited her local doctor because she felt light and tired. The patient underwent lower gastrointestinal endoscopy and was diagnosed with a malignant lymphoma of the small intestine (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma). The patient had a history of oral consumption of undercooked pork liver to improve anemia and was diagnosed with acute hepatitis E. Since the patient responded to chemotherapy, she was treated with single-agent ribavirin while continuing chemotherapy, resulting in a sustained virological response.
Even during treatment with immunosuppressive drugs, if appropriate treatment for hepatitis E can be administered, the patient can be fully treated without interruption. The patient was able to complete chemotherapy adequately without interruption of treatment, which was a clinically beneficial result.
Keywords: Chemotherapy, Hepatitis E virus, Ribavirin