Marked Enlargement of the Liver and Transient Ascites Associated with the Treatment of Diabetic Acidosis

Abstract

HEPATOMEGALY has long been recognized as a frequent clinical finding in diabetes mellitus, particularly among juvenile diabetic patients. The etiology of the hepatomegaly, however, has remained a controversial subject. Recently, we studied a patient in whom the rapid correction of moderately severe acidosis with unusually high doses of insulin was followed by the development of acute massive hepatomegaly and transient ascites. This clinical course occurring with the vigorous treatment of diabetic acidosis has not hitherto been described, and it is for this reason that the case is presented.Case ReportW.R., a 7-year-old girl, was admitted to the Pediatric Service . . .