[Differential diagnosis of elevated liver transaminases in rheumatic diseases]

During laboratory monitoring of patients with rheumatic diseases it is not uncommon to notice elevated liver transaminase levels. From a rheumatological perspective there are multiple causes for this. Liver dysfunction can be the result of certain rheumatological diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis are associated with rheumatic diseases. On the other hand, hepatological diseases, such as hepatitis C and autoimmune hepatitis show rheumatological symptoms. The most common cause of elevation of liver transaminase levels in rheumatic patients is without doubt the anti-rheumatic therapy.