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Autoimmune Hepatitis Following COVID-19 Vaccination in a Patient With Ulcerative Colitis: A Case Report
Marwah Algodi1, Mohamed Nasser Elshabrawi2, Mohamed Abuelazm3
1Jersey Shore University Medical Center Neptune Township New Jersey USA.
Clinical Case Reports
|May 18, 2026
Summary
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare side effect of COVID-19 vaccination. This case study shows successful treatment of AIH in a patient with ulcerative colitis after mRNA vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare adverse event following COVID-19 vaccination.
- Individuals with pre-existing autoimmune conditions may be at increased risk.
- The Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine is widely used globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of AIH post-COVID-19 vaccination.
- To discuss the potential link between mRNA vaccines and autoimmune phenomena.
- To emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis and management.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 55-year-old male with ulcerative colitis.
- Detailed clinical presentation including jaundice and elevated liver enzymes.
- Liver biopsy for diagnostic confirmation.
- Treatment with corticosteroids and azathioprine.
Main Results:
- The patient developed AIH three weeks after his second vaccine dose.
- Liver biopsy confirmed autoimmune hepatitis.
- Successful treatment with corticosteroids and azathioprine resulted in complete remission.
- No recurrence was noted at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 vaccination can rarely trigger autoimmune hepatitis.
- Patients with existing autoimmune diseases require careful monitoring post-vaccination.
- Prompt diagnosis and immunosuppressive therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes in vaccine-associated AIH.
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