Histologically proven isoniazid hepatoxicity in complicated tuberculous salpingitis

Abstract

Isoniazid (INH) hepatic injury is histologically indistinguishable from viral hepatitis and is related to individual susceptibility of patients who hydrolyze the drug to isonicotinic acid at different rates. We here present a case initially involving a complaint of lower abdominal pain, which was diagnosed after a long diagnostic work-up as tuberculous salpingitis and which is rare in women in developed countries. A lack of pulmonary effects further delayed correct diagnosis of the underlying tuberculosis infection. Based on the clinical follow up and liver histology, INH-induced severe hepatoxicity, which further contributed to the abdominal symptoms, could be confirmed. After adaptation of the standard therapeutic regimen no further complications occurred. © 2009, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.