Human Adenovirus Associated Hepatic Injury

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Human adenovirus (HAdV) is a prevalent virus, yet symptomatic infections are infrequent.
• While HAdV commonly causes pneumonia, HAdV hepatitis is a rare but severe complication, particularly in immunocompromised patients, with a high fatality rate.
• Typical clinical presentations for HAdV hepatitis are lacking, and diagnostic features are not always apparent, complicating early clinical recognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize previously reported cases of human adenovirus hepatitis.
• To identify common characteristics that can assist clinicians in the early detection and diagnosis of HAdV hepatitis.
• To facilitate timely treatment initiation for patients with HAdV hepatitis.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and summary of existing case reports on human adenovirus hepatitis.
• Analysis of clinical, pathological, and imaging features from reported cases.
• Synthesis of findings to delineate common diagnostic indicators.

Main Results:

• Human adenovirus hepatitis, though rarely reported, presents with a high mortality rate.
• The clinical symptoms of HAdV hepatitis are often atypical, making diagnosis challenging.
• Despite some pathological and imaging clues, definitive early diagnosis remains difficult.

Conclusions:

• Human adenovirus hepatitis is an underdiagnosed condition due to its rarity and non-specific symptoms.
• Early identification is crucial for improving patient outcomes, necessitating greater clinical awareness.
• Further research and case reporting are needed to establish more definitive diagnostic criteria and effective treatment strategies.