Hepatic manifestations of the dengue infection

Abstract

Dengue is a common mosquito-borne viral infection in tropical areas. Liver involvement is common among dengue viral infections. The usual hepatic manifestation of dengue is hepatomegaly, which is sometimes painful. Abnormal liver function test is a frequent laboratory finding in majority of cases. Like most systemic tropical infections, aspartate aminotransferase usually has a higher level than alanine aminotransferase. Acute liver failure secondary to dengue infection is a rare but severe complication. Liver injury related to dengue usually recovers spontaneously.