Severe hepatitis with coagulopathy due to HSV-1 in an immunocompetent man.

Severe hepatitis due to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in immunocompetent patients is a very rare event. The acute hepatitis may lead to fulminant deterioration of liver function and can be rapidly fatal. The diagnosis should be considered in case of severe hepatitis of unknown cause. Early consideration of HSV-1 hepatitis in the differential diagnosis in an adult patient, also with an apparently normal immune system, is important and early initiation of antiviral treatment may be lifesaving in this situation.