valacyclovir and Myelodysplastic-Syndromes

We present the case of a patient, with history of myelodysplastic syndrome and recent bone marrow transplant, who developed fulminant liver failure secondary to herpes simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis. His presentation was unique, as findings of liver microabscesses on computed tomography scan have not been described previously in this patient population. Despite initial treatment with acyclovir, he continued to deteriorate, and later sensitivities found the HSV strain to be resistant to acyclovir. HSV hepatitis with secondary liver failure is rare and, without appropriate treatment, its mortality is >80%. Early suspicion and immediate therapy are the keys to improve patient survival.

Topics: Acyclovir; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Antiviral Agents; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Drug Resistance, Viral; Fatal Outcome; Foscarnet; Graft vs Host Disease; Hepatitis, Viral, Human; Humans; Liver; Liver Failure, Acute; Male; Middle Aged; Myelodysplastic Syndromes; Patient Comfort; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Simplexvirus; Transaminases; Transplantation, Homologous; Valacyclovir; Valine

Topics: Acyclovir; Aged; Antiviral Agents; Biopsy; Cicatrix; Herpes Zoster; Humans; Male; Myelodysplastic Syndromes; Skin; Valacyclovir; Valine