Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients with breast cancer and association with tamoxifen

Abstract

11528 Background: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is a form of liver damage that can progress to cirrhosis of the liver. NASH is microscopically identical to steatohepatitis that is noted in alcoholics. The condition is associated with obesity and diabetes. NASH may also be associated with some medications including tamoxifen. Early case reports and small series documented NASH in patients who received tamoxifen. Methods: The St Vincent Hospital Cancer Registry of Green Bay Wisconsin was used to identify breast cancer patients for this retrospective review. Clinic records of patients with breast cancer diagnosed from January 1, 1992 until December 31, 2000 were reviewed. NASH was diagnosed if documented by liver biopsy or if documented by transaminases 2 times the upper range of normal on two occasions and computerized tomography scan or ultrasound documentation of a fatty liver. Results: 1,105 patients with breast cancer were evaluated for NASH. 24 cases of NASH were documented (2.2%). 7 patients had NASH ...