Amiodarone – a rare cause of acute hepatitis – case presentation

Amiodarone, a Class III antiarrhythmic agent, used in the treatment of supraventricular and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, may cause acute hepatitis. Although it is a rare complication, it can be fatal. We presented the case of a 59-year-old patient without any personal pathological background, chronic medication and cardiovascular risk factors, who came in the emergency Department where he is diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Intravenous amiodarone treatment is instituted, but at 12 hours after initiation of treatment, there is a significant increase in the level of hepatic transaminases. The diagnosis of acute hepatitis is made, possibly drug-related. After we stopped the amiodarone administration, the evolution is favorable, with the remission of the cytolysis syndrome. This case highlights the need for careful monitoring of patients receiving intravenous amiodarone to identify any potential for hepatotoxicity.