Azathioprine induced serious portal hypertension: a case series of three IBD patients and review of the literature

Acta Gastroenterol Belg. 2013 Sep;76(3):342-6.

Abstract

We report 3 male IBD patients (2 Crohn's Disease, 1 Ulcerative Colitis) developing thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly on azathioprine treatment. All patients were diagnosed with significant portal hypertension due to histological proven nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) of the liver. In two of three patients, liver function tests remained completely normal. In addition we provide a short literature review of azathioprine induced NRH covering etiology, imaging, pathology, prognosis and treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Azathioprine / adverse effects*
  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Portal / chemically induced*
  • Hypertension, Portal / physiopathology
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Portal Pressure / drug effects

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Azathioprine