Phenytoin-induced Toxic Cholestatic Hepatitis in a Patient with Skin Lesions: Case Report

Abstract

Phenytoin is a highly effective and widely prescribed anticonvulsant agent, but it can be associated with dose-related side effects and hypersensitivity reactions. We present a case of phenytoin-induced cholestatic hepatotoxicity in a 47-year-old woman who had exfoliative dermatitis, an increase in liver enzymes with a cholestatic pattern, and eosinophilia after 25 days of phenytoin therapy. The diagnostic workup showed no other possible causes, and the results of a percutaneous liver biopsy were consistent with drug-induced toxic hepatitis. Within 3 weeks after discontinuing phenytoin therapy, her liver function tests returned to normal values.