Granulomatous Hepatitis Following Intra-Vesical Instillation of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin for Treatment of Bladder Cancer

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Branco, EA (Author) Other; Duro, R (Author) FMUP; Brito, T (Author) Other; Sarmento A (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Infectious Disease Reports

Vol. 13

Pages: 611-618

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-FES

DOI: 10.3390/idr13030057

Abstract (EN): Intra-vesical instillation of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is an important treatment modality of superficial bladder cancer. It is usually well tolerated, although some adverse reactions can occur. One possible yet rare complication is granulomatous hepatitis, that is thought to be caused either by BCG infection or a hypersensitivity reaction to the bacillus. We present a case of a 79-year-old apparently immunocompetent patient who developed granulomatous hepatitis a few months after BCG administration for bladder cancer immunotherapy. It is important to notice that acid-fast smears and cultures are often negative, and these should not exclude diagnosis nor delay treatment. Our case highlights the importance of clinical suspicion and prompt initiation of appropriate treatment.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Dissemination

No. of pages: 8