A case of acute cholestatic hepatitis induced by Corydalis speciosa Max.

doi:2009.15.4.517

Korean J Hepatol > Volume 15(4); 2009 > Article

The Korean Journal of Hepatology 2009;15(4): 517-523.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3350/kjhep.2009.15.4.517

A case of acute cholestatic hepatitis induced by Corydalis speciosa Max.

Hyun Seok Kang , Hyuk Soon Choi , Tae Jung Yun , Kwang Gyun Lee , Yeon Seok Seo , Jong Eun Yeon , Kwan Soo Byun , Soon Ho Um , Chang Duck Kim , Ho Sang Ryu

Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

ABSTRACT

Herbs are widely used as treatments for various symptoms. However, several herbs have been reported to be inducers of liver injury. We report herein a case of hepatotoxicity induced by Corydalis speciosa Max. A 37-year-old male complained of jaundice and mild abdominal discomfort. A thorough history was taken, and laboratory investigation, diagnostic imaging studies, and percutaneous liver biopsy sampling were conducted to determine the cause of liver injury. An accurate cause was not revealed. We administered supportive management for acute cholestatic hepatitis of unknown origin, after which his symptoms disappeared and serum aminotransferase levels decreased gradually to near normal levels. However, at 2 months after discharge, the symptoms and the elevation of aminotransferase levels recurred. At that time he told us that he had repeatedly but unintentionally eaten a herb called “Hwang-geun cho”(Corydalis speciosa Max.). Thus, we diagnosed his case as herbal hepatotoxicity. (Korean J Hepatol 2009;15:517-523)

KeyWords: Hepatitis, Toxic: Plants, Medicinal: Cholestasis, Intrahepatic: Biopsy, Needle