Hepatic Hypoperfusion in Complex Cardiac Pathology: A Case of Ischemic Hepatitis Secondary to Congenital Heart Disease with HFpEF and Atrial Fibrillation

Aleena Muhammed Sadi

Department of Pharmacy Practice, St. Joseph’s College of Pharmacy, Cherthala 688524, Kerala, India.

Lakshmi R *

Department of Pharmacy Practice, St. Joseph’s College of Pharmacy, Cherthala 688524, Kerala, India.

Akash Jose K J

Department of Pharmacy Practice, St. Joseph’s College of Pharmacy, Cherthala 688524, Kerala, India.

Anand Kumar V

Department of Cardiology, VPS Lakeshore Hospital and Research Centre, Kochi 682040, Kerala, India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

Ischemic hepatitis (IH) is an acute liver injury caused by hepatic hypoperfusion, typically occurring in shock states. We present a 77-year-old woman with congenital heart disease (CHD), heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and atrial fibrillation who developed IH without overt hypotension. She presented with dyspnea, weakness, and oliguria, accompanied by severe transaminitis (Aspartate Aminotransferase - AST 6602 U/L, Alanine Aminotransferase - ALT 3886 U/L), coagulopathy (International Normalized Ratio - INR 7.35), and lactic acidosis (lactate 6.8 mmol/L). Echocardiography revealed atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, pulmonary hypertension, and valvular abnormalities. Management included rate control, diuresis, and hepatic support. Liver enzymes improved by day 4, confirming recovery. This case demonstrates that IH can occur in HFpEF patients with CHD and arrhythmia, even in the absence of profound hypotension. Early recognition and hemodynamic optimization are critical to prevent irreversible liver damage. This case report underscores IH as a potential complication in high-risk cardiac patients, necessitating vigilant monitoring and prompt intervention.

Keywords: Ischemic hepatitis, HFpE, congenital heart disease, atrial fibrillation, cardiogenic liver injury


How to Cite

Sadi, Aleena Muhammed, Lakshmi R, Akash Jose K J, and Anand Kumar V. 2025. “Hepatic Hypoperfusion in Complex Cardiac Pathology: A Case of Ischemic Hepatitis Secondary to Congenital Heart Disease With HFpEF and Atrial Fibrillation”. International Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Case Reports 18 (3):73-79. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijmpcr/2025/v18i3440.

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