Statin-Induced Hyper-Acute Reversible Liver Failure: A Case Report

Statins, particularly high-dose atorvastatin, are widely used for cardiovascular prevention but can rarely cause severe hepatotoxicity. We report a case of a male in his seventies who developed hyperacute hepatic failure within 24 hours of initiating atorvastatin 80 mg for secondary stroke prevention. Extensive investigations ruled out alternative causes, and his condition rapidly improved after discontinuation, implicating drug-induced liver injury. This case highlights the unpredictable nature of statin-induced hepatotoxicity, emphasizing the need for vigilance, particularly in elderly patients with comorbidities. Further research is needed to guide safe reintroduction strategies and alternative lipid-lowering options for affected individuals.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-02-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.103591
Primary Topic
Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Protection
Type
article
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article

Statin-Induced Hyper-Acute Reversible Liver Failure: A Case Report

Ali Saleh Alhamdan, Abdulkreem A Alnasser, Khaled AlQahtani, Meshal M AlTalha et al.
Cureus
Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Protection
article

Statin-Induced Hyper-Acute Reversible Liver Failure: A Case Report

Ali Saleh Alhamdan, Abdulkreem A Alnasser, Khaled AlQahtani, Meshal M AlTalha, Abdulaziz A AlTurki
article en

Abstract

Statins, particularly high-dose atorvastatin, are widely used for cardiovascular prevention but can rarely cause severe hepatotoxicity. We report a case of a male in his seventies who developed hyperacute hepatic failure within 24 hours of initiating atorvastatin 80 mg for secondary stroke prevention. Extensive investigations ruled out alternative causes, and his condition rapidly improved after discontinuation, implicating drug-induced liver injury. This case highlights the unpredictable nature of statin-induced hepatotoxicity, emphasizing the need for vigilance, particularly in elderly patients with comorbidities. Further research is needed to guide safe reintroduction strategies and alternative lipid-lowering options for affected individuals.

CureusVol. 18(2)
King Saud Medical City (SA)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 54%
Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Protection
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