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Viral diseases involving the liver
Bailliere'S Clinical Gastroenterology
|April 1, 1987
Summary
Many viruses beyond HAV, HBV, and HNANB can cause liver injury, often with mild symptoms but detectable liver enzyme changes. Diagnosis relies on serology and histology, with supportive care being primary treatment.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV), and non-A, non-B (HNANB) viruses cause most viral hepatitis.
- Numerous other viruses can induce hepatic injury, either systemically (e.g., EBV, CMV, HSV) or targeting the liver primarily (e.g., yellow fever, Lassa, Ebola viruses).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review viral agents causing hepatic injury beyond the common hepatitis viruses.
- To discuss clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of these less common viral hepatitis causes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of viral infections associated with hepatic injury.
- Analysis of clinical, biochemical, and morphological findings in affected patients.
Main Results:
- Clinically overt liver dysfunction is rare, but biochemical abnormalities (e.g., elevated AST, ALT) are common.
- Morphological changes include hepatic necrosis with minimal inflammation; inclusion bodies may be present.
- Diagnosis relies on serology and liver histology.
Conclusions:
- While chronic sequelae like cirrhosis or cancer are not observed, further research into pathogenesis is needed.
- Supportive treatment is standard, though antiviral therapies show promise for specific viral causes.