A Case of Exertional Heat Stroke Complicated by Hypoxic Hepatitis

Abstract EN

Background.Exertional heat stroke is a life-threatening condition often complicated by multiorgan failure.

We hereby present a case of a 25-year-old male presenting with syncope after a 10 km run in 28°C outside temperature who developed acute liver failure.

Case Presentation.

Initial temperature was found to be 41.1°C, and cooling measures were rapidly applied.

He suffered from acute renal failure and rhabdomyolysis and proceeded to acute liver failure (ASAT 6100 U/l and ALAT 6561 U/l) due to hypoxic hepatitis on day 3.

He did not meet criteria for emergency liver transplantation and recovered on supportive care.

Conclusions.

Acute liver failure due to heat stroke is a life-threatening condition with often delayed onset, which nevertheless resolves on supportive care in the majority of cases; thus, a delayed referral to transplant seems to be reasonable.