Abstract
Black liver is a common finding in Dubin-Johnson syndrome (DJS), which is caused by the lack of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2). Impaired excretion of epinephrine metabolites is believed to be a cause of black liver in DJS. Recently, we experienced a patient with black liver whose serum bilirubin level was normal. Coarse brown granules were observed in the hepatocytes, and this finding closely resembled that observed in DJS. However, the granules were negative for Schmorl staining. The MRP2 gene did not show any mutation. Immunostaining study demonstrated MRP2 protein expression in the liver, and it was localized in the canalicular membranes of hepatocytes. This case illustrates for the first time that DJS is not the only cause of black liver.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kobayashi, Y., Ishihara, T., Wada, M. et al. Dubin-Johnson-like black liver with normal bilirubin level. J Gastroenterol 39, 892–895 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00535-004-1406-x
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00535-004-1406-x