S5886 Paraneoplastic Cholestatic Hepatitis in Prostate Cancer: A Rare Presentation of Stauffer Syndrome

Introduction: Stauffer syndrome is a paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by cholestatic hepatitis in absence of intrinsic and extrinsic liver disease. First described in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the pathophysiology is unclear. Of the cholestatic variants, the icteric form is most rare. Though classically associated with RCC, cases have been reported with other malignancies. We present a rare case of Stauffer syndrome in a patient with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. Case Description/Methods: A 70-year-old man with asthma presented with jaundice, acholic stools, 20-pound weight loss, and urinary hesitancy for several weeks. Given concern for drug-induced liver injury, tadalafil and atorvastatin were stopped, but jaundice worsened. He denied herbal or dietary supplement use. On exam, he had jaundice, scleral icterus, pedal edema, and a facial rash. Labs showed total bilirubin 22.5 mg/dL, direct bilirubin 18.7 mg/dL, alkaline phosphatase 1027 U/L, gamma-glutamyl transferase 70 U/L, alanine aminotransferase 57 U/L, and aspartate aminotransferase 73 U/L. Serologic evaluation was negative for hepatitis B/C and autoimmune markers including ANA, AMA, and anti-glycoprotein. Ultrasound showed cholelithiasis without cholecystitis or choledocholithiasis. Computed tomography abdomen revealed no pancreatic lesions but extensive retroperitoneal, parailiac, and aortocaval lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, mild splenomegaly, and a markedly enlarged prostate with abnormal contour. PSA was >5000 U/L. Endoscopic ultrasound showed normal pancreatic architecture and ducts, a collapsed 4.7 mm common bile duct, and multiple enlarged hypoechoic lymph nodes. Liver parenchyma showed scattered hyperechogenic lines suggestive of infiltrative disease. Lymph node biopsy confirmed metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. Liver biopsy showed severe cholestatic hepatitis with centrilobular sinusoidal dilation without significant fibrosis. He was diagnosed with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma with paraneoplastic cholestatic hepatitis. Leuprolide was started for androgen deprivation and ursodeoxycholic acid for symptomatic relief. Over weeks, his jaundice and liver function significantly improved. Discussion: This case highlights an unusual presentation of metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma manifesting as paraneoplastic cholestatic hepatitis. Though a diagnosis of exclusion, paraneoplasia should be considered in cases of unexplained cholestasis in patients with malignancies. Early recognition is critical as appropriate oncologic management can lead to resolution of hepatic dysfunction and improved patient outcomes.

Publication Details

Journal
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
Published
2025-10-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.14309/01.ajg.0001151004.51368.cb
Primary Topic
Liver Diseases and Immunity
Type
article
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article

S5886 Paraneoplastic Cholestatic Hepatitis in Prostate Cancer: A Rare Presentation of Stauffer Syndrome

The American Journal of Gastroenterology
Liver Diseases and Immunity
article

S5886 Paraneoplastic Cholestatic Hepatitis in Prostate Cancer: A Rare Presentation of Stauffer Syndrome

article en

Abstract

Introduction: Stauffer syndrome is a paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by cholestatic hepatitis in absence of intrinsic and extrinsic liver disease. First described in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the pathophysiology is unclear. Of the cholestatic variants, the icteric form is most rare. Though classically associated with RCC, cases have been reported with other malignancies. We present a rare case of Stauffer syndrome in a patient with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. Case Description/Methods: A 70-year-old man with asthma presented with jaundice, acholic stools, 20-pound weight loss, and urinary hesitancy for several weeks. Given concern for drug-induced liver injury, tadalafil and atorvastatin were stopped, but jaundice worsened. He denied herbal or dietary supplement use. On exam, he had jaundice, scleral icterus, pedal edema, and a facial rash. Labs showed total bilirubin 22.5 mg/dL, direct bilirubin 18.7 mg/dL, alkaline phosphatase 1027 U/L, gamma-glutamyl transferase 70 U/L, alanine aminotransferase 57 U/L, and aspartate aminotransferase 73 U/L. Serologic evaluation was negative for hepatitis B/C and autoimmune markers including ANA, AMA, and anti-glycoprotein. Ultrasound showed cholelithiasis without cholecystitis or choledocholithiasis. Computed tomography abdomen revealed no pancreatic lesions but extensive retroperitoneal, parailiac, and aortocaval lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, mild splenomegaly, and a markedly enlarged prostate with abnormal contour. PSA was >5000 U/L. Endoscopic ultrasound showed normal pancreatic architecture and ducts, a collapsed 4.7 mm common bile duct, and multiple enlarged hypoechoic lymph nodes. Liver parenchyma showed scattered hyperechogenic lines suggestive of infiltrative disease. Lymph node biopsy confirmed metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. Liver biopsy showed severe cholestatic hepatitis with centrilobular sinusoidal dilation without significant fibrosis. He was diagnosed with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma with paraneoplastic cholestatic hepatitis. Leuprolide was started for androgen deprivation and ursodeoxycholic acid for symptomatic relief. Over weeks, his jaundice and liver function significantly improved. Discussion: This case highlights an unusual presentation of metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma manifesting as paraneoplastic cholestatic hepatitis. Though a diagnosis of exclusion, paraneoplasia should be considered in cases of unexplained cholestasis in patients with malignancies. Early recognition is critical as appropriate oncologic management can lead to resolution of hepatic dysfunction and improved patient outcomes.

The American Journal of GastroenterologyVol. 120(10S2)
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Liver Diseases and Immunity
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