Unmasking of Metamizole-induced Liver Injury by Simult aneousDevelopment of Characteristic Agranulocytosis

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BACKGROUND: Metamizole is one of the most used analgesic, antipyretic, and spasmolytic agents in many countries worldwide. While metamizole-induced agranulocytosis is an, albeit seldom, well-known adverse event, metamizole-associated drug-induced liver injury has been reported rarely in the literature and hence often remains unconsidered. Here, we present a unique case where metamizole-induced hepatotoxicity got unmasked by the simultaneous development of characteristic agranulocytosis. CASE REPORT: A 22-year-old woman without known conditions presented with a new onset of fever, jaundice, and maculopapular rash and explicitly denied intake of any new substances. Laboratory tests showed liver injury, granulopenia, and positive anti-nuclear and anti-mitochondrial (AMA-M2) antibodies. Liver biopsy revealed a histological pattern characteristic of drug-induced liver injury and bone marrow biopsy, the classical picture of metamizole-induced agranulocytosis. Indeed the in-depth interview of the patient unveiled metamizole consumption over the last two months. Therefore, we could diagnose metamizole-induced hepato- and myelotoxicity. Accordingly, steroid therapy led to normalization of liver parameters and stimulation with granulocyte colony- stimulating factor to leukocyte recovery. CONCLUSION: This case report is intended to increase the awareness of metamizole-associated druginduced liver injury which should always be kept in mind due to its occasionally life-threatening course. Diagnosis can be difficult particularly if anamnesis and written records are without hints for prior metamizole intake.