Journal of Pathology of Nepal (Sep 2012)

Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Review with emphasis on its histomorphology

  • SV Pradhan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v2i4.6887
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2, no. 4
pp. 317 – 323

Abstract

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Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by periportal inflammation, hypergammaglobulinemia with elevated autoantibodies, and a dramatic response to immunosuppression. Various environmental and genetic influences can trigger the immune mediated destruction of the liver. A plethora of clinical presentations can be seen ranging from chronic indolent disease to fulminant hepatic failure. Autoimmune hepatitis does not have a pathognomonic feature, and its laboratory, serologic, and histologic manifestations are found in acute and chronic liver disease of diverse causes. Difficulties in distinguishing toxic, drug-related, virus-induced, and autoimmune causes of severe acute liver injury can result in misclassification. Our paper discusses autoimmune hepatitis, giving a detailed overview of its clinical presentation, immunopathogenesis, emphasis on histomorphological changes and the diagnostic criteria.Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2012) Vol. 2, 317-323DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v2i4.6887

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