15-Year Long-Term Follow-Up on the Progression to Liver Cancer in a Patient with Alcoholic Hepatitis Who Continued Drinking: A Case Report and Clinical Approach

Objectives: This case report aims to present the long-term clinical progression of a patient diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis, which subsequently advanced to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma over a 15-year period. The report highlights the impact of continued alcohol consumption on the progression of alcoholic liver disease and provides a clinical analysis of the course of the disease.Methods: A single patient diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis was analyzed retrospectively. The patient was treated with both traditional Korean medicine and conventional medicine over multiple hospitalizations between 2012 and 2021. Clinical outcomes were monitored through blood chemistry, imaging studies, and Child-Pugh scores.Results: Despite consistent treatment, the patient’s continued alcohol consumption accelerated the progression from alcoholic hepatitis to cirrhosis and, eventually, hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient’s condition remained classified as Child-Pugh B throughout the follow-up, and he ultimately expired in 2023.Conclusion: This case emphasizes that alcohol cessation is crucial in preventing the rapid progression from alcoholic hepatitis to liver cancer. Early detection through noninvasive fibrosis tests such as FibroScan, proactive management of complications, and the use of prognostic tools such as Maddrey Discriminant function (MDF), in addition to patient education, are essential for better outcomes.