Idiopathic granulomatous hepatitis

Idiopathic granulomatous hepatitis is a rare medical condition characterized by granulomas in the liver, recurrent fever, myalgia, and fatigue. The condition is not a true hepatitis, and some experts believe it is a variant of sarcoidosis.[1][2]

Idiopathic granulomatous hepatitis
SpecialtyHepatology

Signs and symptoms

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Idiopathic granulomatous hepatitis is marked by granuloma in the liver and recurrent fevers.[3] Fatigue and weight loss are other common symptoms.[4]

Causes

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Granulomas in the liver often correspond to a systemic illness that the patient had previously been diagnosed with. Liver granulomas, however, could be a symptom of an unidentified systemic illness or they might not have a discernible underlying cause.[3]

Diagnosis

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Establishing the diagnosis can be difficult because it needs to rule out other conditions that can cause hepatic granulomas, like lymphoma, sarcoidosis, drug allergies, and infections by fungi or mycobacteria.[3]

Treatment

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Idiopathic granulomatous hepatitis is treated with methotrexate along with additional immunosuppressive medications such as vinblastine, cyclophosphamide, and chlorambucil.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Tholey, Danielle (May 3, 2023). "Hepatic and Biliary Disorders". Merck Manuals Professional Edition. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  2. ^ "Hepatic Granulomas". Hepatitis Central. April 10, 2015. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Lee, Yong Hong; Choi, Chang Hyon; Lee, Nam Su; Cheon, Gob Jin; Lee, Jae Sung; Shin, Joong Ho; Woo, Jun Hee (July 31, 1996). "Case Report : Idiopathic Granulomatous Hepatitis Manifested with Fever of Unknown Origin". The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine. 11 (2). Korean Association of Internal Medicine: 161–164. doi:10.3904/kjim.1996.11.2.161. ISSN 1226-3303. PMC 4532012. PMID 8854654.
  4. ^ a b Knox, Tamsin A. (1995-04-15). "Methotrexate Treatment of Idiopathic Granulomatous Hepatitis". Annals of Internal Medicine. 122 (8): 592–595. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-122-8-199504150-00006. ISSN 0003-4819. PMID 7887553. S2CID 24241373.

Further reading

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