Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 6, 2026
A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks
Published on: June 26, 2020
Extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C infection: navigating CHASM
Amy C Sherman1, Kenneth E Sherman
1Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Insights
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes systemic extrahepatic manifestations affecting multiple organs. Early HCV treatment may prevent or reduce these complex conditions, warranting further research into intervention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is primarily studied for liver injury.
- Systemic extrahepatic manifestations (CHASMs) affect numerous organs in a significant proportion of HCV-infected individuals.
- CHASMs include thyroid, cardiovascular, renal, ocular, dermatologic, hematologic, and metabolic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of extrahepatic systemic manifestations of chronic HCV infection.
- To emphasize the potential of early HCV treatment as a preventive strategy for systemic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on HCV-associated systemic diseases.
- Identification and categorization of various extrahepatic manifestations linked to HCV infection.
Main Results:
- HCV infection is associated with a wide spectrum of systemic diseases beyond the liver.
- CHASMs affect multiple organ systems, including endocrine, cardiovascular, renal, ophthalmologic, dermatologic, and lymphoid systems.
- Conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, atherosclerosis, MPGN, Mooren's ulcers, lichen planus, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are linked to HCV.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the mechanisms of HCV-induced CHASMs can lead to novel therapeutic interventions.
- Early treatment and cure of HCV may offer a preventive approach to managing diverse systemic complications.
- Further research is crucial to explore early HCV treatment as a strategy for preventing systemic disease development.
Abstract:
This article describes the importance of extrahepatic systemic manifestations of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. While most HCV literature focuses on liver injury and fibrosis progression, a spectrum of systemic disease processes, collectively called C hepatitis-associated systemic manifestations (CHASMs), are present in a high proportion of infected persons. These include thyroid disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves disease, and thyroid cancer), cardiovascular disease (atherosclerosis, carotid artery disease, and coronary artery disease), renal disease (MPGN and glomerulosclerosis), eye disease (Mooren's ulcers and sicca syndrome), skin disease (PCT, vasculitis, and lichen planus), lymphomas (NHL and splenic T-cell), and diabetes. Mechanistic understanding of how HCV leads to CHASM processes could lead to development of new interventions. The role of early HCV treatment and cure may result in preventive strategies for a variety of complex disease states. Key Points • Systemic extrahepatic complications of HCV comprise a spectrum of disease states in many organs and systems.• Effective treatment of HCV may reduce or eliminate some but not all of these systemic complications.• Further research into early treatment intervention as a prevention strategy for systemic disease is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hepatitis
01:26Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not...
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
01:22Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
01:26Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow