[Pantoprazole-induced hepatitis].

HISTORY: A 46-year-old woman presented for an emergency admission because of colic-like upper abdominal pain and markedly impaired general condition. Eight days before admission she had started and continued to take pantoprazole because of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux.

INVESTIGATIONS: Clinical examination and laboratory tests indicated abnormal liver functions suggesting hepatitis. Serology largely excluded an infectious, autoimmunological or metabolic cause. Duplex sonography gave no evidence of bile obstruction or Budd-Chiari syndrome.

DIAGNOSIS AND COURSE: The patient's condition and laboratory tests after the drug had been discontinued gradually improved on symptomatic treatment, indicating pantoprazole-induced hepatitis.

CONCLUSION

Intake of proton pump inhibitors is a rare cause but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hepatitis of uncertain etiology.