Hepatic intermittent fever, also known as fever of unknown origin (FUO) with hepatic manifestation or hepatic fever, is a medical condition characterized by recurrent episodes of fever that occur at regular intervals and are accompanied by liver involvement.
The term "hepatic" refers to the liver, which plays a central role in this condition. "Intermittent" signifies that the fever comes and goes in a cyclic pattern, with periods of remission between episodes. "Fever" refers to an elevated body temperature above the normal range.
The underlying cause of hepatic intermittent fever is often unknown and can be elusive, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. The febrile episodes are typically accompanied by symptoms such as chills, fatigue, abdominal pain, and tenderness in the liver area. Additional liver-related symptoms may include jaundice, hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver), and elevated liver enzymes in blood tests.
To make a diagnosis of hepatic intermittent fever, thorough medical evaluations and diagnostic tests are necessary to rule out other potential causes of the fever, such as infections, autoimmune disorders, malignancies, or drug reactions. Treatment of hepatic intermittent fever focuses on managing the symptoms and addressing any underlying conditions. This may involve the administration of antipyretic medications to reduce the fever during episodes, along with treatments targeting the specific underlying cause if identified.
In conclusion, hepatic intermittent fever is a condition characterized by recurring febrile episodes accompanied by liver involvement. Its etiology is often unknown, and diagnosis and management require comprehensive medical investigations.
