Acute Hepatitis A-Induced Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Case Report and Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION

The pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is little known. Previous case reports suggest that several viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A, can trigger AIH.

PATIENT

A 55-year-old female showed general weakness and jaundice. The patient was diagnosed with acute hepatitis A and discharged after 14 days of hospitalization with improving liver function. However, blood tests performed 6 days after discharge revealed an increase in liver enzymes and high serum titers of an anti-nuclear antibody and immunoglobulin G. She was readmitted for liver biopsy.

DIAGNOSIS

Liver biopsy showed acute hepatitis A along with AIH. According to the revised international autoimmune hepatitis group scoring system, her score was 14 and she was diagnosed as AIH induced by acute hepatitis A.

INTERVENTION

Conservative treatments with crystalloid (Lactated Ringer's Solution), ursodeoxycholic acid, and silymarin were administered.

OUTCOMES

The patient has been followed up on an outpatient basis and neither symptom recurrence nor an increase in liver enzymes has been reported thus far.

LESSONS

After the treatment of acute hepatitis A, liver function needs to be carefully monitored over time, and the possibility of autoimmune hepatitis should be considered when liver enzymes increases.