J Korean Med Sci.  2011 Jan;26(1):138-142. 10.3346/jkms.2011.26.1.138.

Acute Liver Failure Associated with Occupational Exposure to Tetrachloroethylene

• Shen C
• Zhao CY
• Liu F
• Wang YD
• Wang W

• KMID: 1777989
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2011.26.1.138

Abstract

Tetrachloroethylene is a chlorinated solvent that is primarily used in dry cleaning and degreasing operations. Although the hepatotoxicity caused by tetrachloroethylene has been well documented in literature, it is rarely considered as a cause of acute liver failure. We report a case of a 39-yr-old man who was admitted to our hospital for acute liver failure due to tetrachloroethylene exposure. Histological examination of the liver revealed massive hepatic necrosis, prominently, in zone 3 of the hepatic lobules. The patient underwent supportive treatment along with 3 sessions of plasmapheresis, and consequently, he presented a favorable outcome. Repeat liver biopsy performed 6 months after the patient's discharge showed architectural distortion with postnecrotic cirrhosis. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of acute liver failure induced by tetrachloroethylene. Early plasmapheresis can be effective for individuals with sufficient capacity for hepatocyte regeneration.

Keyword

Drug-induced Liver Injury; Liver Failure, Acute; Plasma Exchange; Tetrachloroethylene

MeSH Terms

Adult
Carcinogens/*toxicity
Humans
Liver Cirrhosis/pathology
Liver Failure, Acute/chemically induced/*diagnosis/pathology
Male
*Occupational Exposure
Plasmapheresis
Tetrachloroethylene/*toxicity