Glycogenic Hepatopathy: A Complication Of Uncontrolled Diabetes

Objective: To describe a case of hepatomegaly and elevated transaminases in a patient with glycogenic hepatopathy (GH) as a complication of uncontrolled diabetes. Methods: Clinical, laboratory, and pathological information are described. Results: An 18-year-old male with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes and recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) presented with abdominal distention and severe hyperglycemia. Physical examination revealed massive hepatomegaly. Laboratory evaluation showed anion-gap metabolic acidosis, ketonuria, and markedly elevated aspartate and alanine amino transaminases (AST = 1,162 IU/L and ALT = 598 IU/L, respectively). Despite resolution of DKA with insulin infusion, transaminases continued to increase (peak AST = 3,725 U/L, ALT = 1,049 U/L) with no signs of liver failure (normal coagulation profile and albumin level). Abdominal ultrasonography revealed an enlarged liver with moderate echogenicity, consistent with steatosis. Extensive evaluation for causes of hepatitis including toxic, autoimmune, genetic, and infectious diseases was unrevealing. Liver biopsy showed no signs of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), such as fibrosis, steatosis, or portal inflammation. However, swollen hepatocytes with glycogen accumulation consistent with GH were seen. Conclusion: GH can present as hepatomegaly and elevated liver transaminases in patients with uncontrolled diabetes. Clinicians should consider GH in patients with uncontrolled diabetes after ruling out other common causes. Liver ultrasound cannot differentiate this condition from the more commonly seen NAFLD. Although liver biopsy remains a gold standard, evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging may be considered as a less invasive alternative in the appropriate clinical setting. Abbreviations: DKA = diabetic ketoacidosis GH = glycogenic hepatopathy MRI = magnetic resonance imaging NAFLD = nonalcoholic fatty liver disease