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Post-infantile giant cell hepatitis: histological and immunohistochemical study
S J Johnson1, J Mathew, R N MacSween
1Division of Pathology, University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Post-infantile giant cell hepatitis is a diverse condition. Research found inflammatory T-cells and macrophages in liver biopsies, with no evidence of cytomegalovirus or Epstein-Barr virus.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Post-infantile giant cell hepatitis is a rare liver disease.
- Its etiology and inflammatory infiltrate composition are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the inflammatory infiltrate in post-infantile giant cell hepatitis.
- To investigate the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in these cases.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical, serological, and histological data from nine patients.
- Immunohistochemistry to analyze lymphocytic infiltrate, monocyte/macrophage response, and viral antigens (CMV, EBV).
- Electron microscopy in two cases.
Main Results:
- Inflammatory infiltrate predominantly comprised T lymphocytes and increased monocyte/macrophage cells.
- No evidence of CMV or EBV antigens detected.
- Four cases showed autoimmune hepatitis features; five had obscure etiology.
- Significant fibrosis or cirrhosis occurred in five patients; three died.
Conclusions:
- Post-infantile giant cell hepatitis is a heterogeneous entity.
- The findings suggest a complex inflammatory response rather than specific viral causes like CMV or EBV.
- This condition involves significant liver damage and variable outcomes.