Non-hepatotropic viral hepatitis: a narrative review.

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Non-hepatotropic viral hepatitis (NHVH) is liver inflammation caused by viruses that do not primarily target the liver.
• Common causative agents include Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and SARS-CoV-2.
• Unlike well-studied hepatotropic viral hepatitis (A-E), NHVH data is limited due to its rarity and often subtle presentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the most common non-hepatotropic viruses (NHV).
• To focus on the biology, etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and management of NHVH.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of a less understood form of viral hepatitis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on NHVH.
• Synthesis of information on viral biology and disease mechanisms.
• Analysis of clinical presentations and management strategies.

Main Results:

• NHVH encompasses a range of viruses including EBV, CMV, HSV, and SARS-CoV-2.
• Clinical spectrum varies from mild transaminitis to acute liver failure.
• NHVH can be an isolated finding or part of a systemic infection.

Conclusions:

• NHVH presents a diagnostic challenge due to its varied presentation and rarity.
• Understanding the specific NHV is crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient management.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the epidemiology and long-term outcomes of NHVH.