Metastatic prostatic carcinoma presenting as fulminant hepatic failure

South Med J. 2008 Oct;101(10):1049-50. doi: 10.1097/SMJ.0b013e31817c74c3.

Abstract

A 68-year-old male presented with progressive abdominal pain, dyspnea, weight loss, and dysuria. Lab work revealed elevated creatine phosphokinase levels, prostate-specific antigen level (approximately 60 ng/mL), and elevated liver enzymes. He was admitted to the intensive care unit for worsening respiratory distress and confusion. He continued to deteriorate, and his bilirubin peaked at 8.5 mg/dL. The patient subsequently died, and an autopsy revealed extensive hepatic necrosis with diffuse intravascular and intraparenchymal permeation of metastatic prostatic carcinoma. Fulminant hepatic failure remains a rare presentation of metastatic prostatic carcinoma, with a rapidly progressive course toward hepatic coma and death. A high index of suspicion is needed to investigate the possibility of palliative chemotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Liver Failure, Acute / etiology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / complications
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Male
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / blood
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Prostate-Specific Antigen