Toxicant-associated steatohepatitis: à propos a case of benzene exposure

An attempted interpretation of recurrent episodes of hepatitis in a girl at ages 6 and 13 years, which were followed by an interval of 35 years of apparent good health, is reported. A subsequent transient incidence of a halothane hypersensitivity reaction at age 48 years led to the disclosure of negative hepatitis A, B and C antigenicity. A tentative diagnosis may be reached if we accept, at its face value, the statement that a toy that the child played with before each hepatitis episode carried a very high benzene content. The toy was a “pate-à-ballon” or “magic balloon,” and it can carry a benzene content that is seven to nine times higher than the traditionally authorized concentration.