Hypervitaminosis A inducing intra-hepatic cholestasis--a rare case report

Exp Mol Pathol. 2010 Apr;88(2):324-5. doi: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2009.11.007. Epub 2009 Nov 24.

Abstract

The use of over-the-counter supplements is commonplace in today's health conscious society. We present an unusual case of intrahepatic cholestasis caused by vitamin A intoxication. The patient consumed one Herbalife shake with two multivitamin tablets of the same brand for 12 years. When calculated this equated to more than the recommended daily allowance for vitamin A consumption. Deranged liver function tests were consistent with a cholestatic process. Liver biopsy was obtained and revealed features pathognomonic of vitamin A toxicity, without the usual fibrosis. When the supplements were ceased, his jaundice and alkaline phosphatase completely normalized. This case highlights the importance of health care providers documenting non-prescribed dietary supplements and considering them in the etiology of cholestatic liver disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / chemically induced
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / etiology*
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / pathology
  • Ephedra / toxicity
  • Humans
  • Hypervitaminosis A / complications*
  • Hypervitaminosis A / pathology
  • Jaundice / chemically induced
  • Jaundice / etiology
  • Jaundice / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pruritus / chemically induced
  • Pruritus / etiology
  • Pruritus / pathology
  • Vacuoles / pathology
  • Vacuoles / ultrastructure
  • Vitamin A / toxicity*
  • Vitamins

Substances

  • Herbalife
  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin A