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Hepatitis A virus anicteric encephalitis coexistent with hepatitis C virus infection
W J Thomas1, P Bruno, K Holtzmuller
1Department of Medicine, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Hepatitis A virus can cause acute encephalitis, even without jaundice. This finding aids in diagnosing viral encephalitis and may reveal if Hepatitis C virus also causes neurological issues.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
Background:
- Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections are typically associated with jaundice.
- Neurologic complications of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are not well-described.
- Acute encephalitis requires prompt diagnosis to guide treatment and avoid unnecessary interventions.
Observation:
- A 34-year-old male presented with acute encephalitis.
- The patient had an anicteric (without jaundice) Hepatitis A virus infection.
- The patient also had a coexistent Hepatitis C virus infection.
Findings:
- Hepatitis A virus was identified as the cause of viral encephalitis in this patient.
- This presentation occurred in the absence of jaundice, challenging typical associations.
- The role of Hepatitis C virus in neurologic manifestations remains to be determined.
Implications:
- Identifying Hepatitis A virus as a cause of encephalitis can streamline diagnostic evaluations.
- This can help avoid extensive testing and unnecessary empiric antibiotic use.
- Further research is needed to understand potential neurologic effects of Hepatitis C virus infections.