Epstein-barr virus and acute liver failure: An exceedingly rare amalgamation

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated acute liver failure (ALF) is an exceedingly uncommon event. Despite this, EBV-associated ALF has a very high fatality rate. When looking at the number of reported cases of EBV-associated ALF requiring an emergency liver transplant, we see even fewer numbers. This presents challenges to clinicians in the diagnosis, awareness and appropriate case management. There is limited information in the medical literature about the hepatic demonstration and complications of EBV. We therefore report a case of EBV-associated ALF in a 17-year-old immunocompetent female who was treated successfully with an orthotopic liver transplantation.