Fulminant hepatitis

[Vania]

Fulminant hepatitis is a rare syndrome of massive necrosis of liver parenchyma and a decrease in liver size (acute yellow atrophy) that usually occurs after infection with certain hepatitis viruses, exposure to toxic agents, or drug-induced injury.
(See also Evaluation of the Patient With a Liver Disorder and Overview of Acute Viral Hepatitis.)
Hepatitis B virus is sometimes responsible for fulminant hepatitis, and up to 50% of cases of fulminant hepatitis B involve hepatitis D virus coinfection. Fulminant hepatitis with hepatitis A virus is rare but may be more likely in people with preexisting liver disorders. Occasionally, hepatitis E virus causes fulminant hepatitis. The role of hepatitis C virus remains uncertain.
Drugs (especially acetaminophen) are the most common cause of fulminant hepatitis in the US.