Severe Hepatotoxic Injury and Cirrhosis Due to Acitretin: A Case Review

Abstract

A 48-year-old man was found to have elevated liver enzymes and clinical manifestations of icter, itching, nausea, and vomiting. He had developed a severe hepatotoxic reaction, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis after treatment with acitretin 25 mg daily (oral retinoid, which is the derivative of etretinate). Elevated serum aminotransferase levels, which are usually reversible, have been reported during treatment with acitretin, however; the present study indicates a warning message that severe hepatotoxic injury may follow such a treatment.