Acute Liver Failure in a Patient Travelling From Asia: The Other Face of the Coin of Infectious Disease

Abstract

We present a case of a 63-year-old male who had travelled from South India to United Kingdom (UK) visiting relatives. He had developed episodes of diarrhea, vomiting and fevers while travelling and on assessment in hospital, mild abdominal distension was noted with rapid deterioration to hypovolemic shock. Initial blood test showed a low platelet count with deranged liver function tests (LFTs). It was noted that during admission to intensive care unit (ICU), blood continued to ooze from a previous surgical laparoscopy wound, central and arterial line access sites. Blood results revealed ongoing derangement of clotting and LFT. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed possible acute cholecystitis and a laparoscopy showed an ischemic-looking liver and gut but no significant gallbladder abnormality. The virology screen was positive for dengue virus antibodies IgM and IgG. The patient developed multi-organ failure and deteriorated despite intensive support. Post mortem showed fulminant hepatic failure and acute tubular necrosis of kidneys.