Glycogenic hepatopathy in a 19-year-old male with uncontrolled insulin dependent diabetes: Clinical presentation and review of literature

Glycogenic Hepatopathy (GH) is a rare entity encountered in patients with poorly controlled insulin-dependent diabetes. GH results from excessive accumulation of glycogen in the hepatocytes and is characterised by tender hepatomegaly and transaminitis. Hyperglycaemia in these patients leads to frequent use of high doses of insulin. High plasma levels of both serum glucose and insulin causes increased production and storage of glycogen in the hepatocytes. We present the clinical course and management of a patient who presented with hyperglycaemia and was found to have glycaemic hepatopathy. The presentation of similar cases that have been reported in medical literature has been reviewed and discussed in this review. GH is an underdiagnosed entity and should be considered in the differentials of any patient presenting with hepatomegaly and transaminitis, particularly among uncontrolled diabetics.