Hyperbilirubinemia

Abstract

A 22-year-old woman had icteric sclerae since childhood. Five years ago of Gilbert-Meulengracht's disease was diagnosed (hyperbilirubinemia, normal other liver laboratory parameters, no evidence of hemolysis). The patient was admitted for re-evaluation. Apart from jaundice of the sclerae no other clinical symptoms were found. Analysis of urine revealed bilirubin and an increased urobilinogen. Serum bilirubin was also elevated. The differentiation of the bilirubin gave evidence of an increase of the direct (conjugated) bilirubin portion. Additional investigations (total coproporphyrin in the urine, isomer I and isomer III coproporphyrin excretion and bromsulphalein test) suggested Rotor's syndrome. Further examinations (oral cholecystography, liver biopsy) were not added because of relative invasiveness, lack of clinical consequences and opposition of the patient. Nevertheless the diagnosis of a Rotor's syndrome is highly probable.