Chronic liver disease and acetaminophen.

A 59-year-old female patient with arthritis developed liver function abnormalities while taking therapeutic doses of acetaminophen. Liver biopsy showed evidence of acute and chronic liver damage. Rechallenge with acetaminophen induced abnormal liver functions almost immediately. The patient has been followed for 2 years since that challenge and remains asymptomatic. Biochemical tests of liver function have returned to normal.