CD8-positive T cell-induced liver damage was found in a patient with polymyositis

Intern Med. 2006;45(18):1059-63. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.45.1710. Epub 2006 Oct 16.

Abstract

We describe a case of polymyositis (PM) with liver injury that occurred in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A 74-year-old woman who had a 12-year history of RA was admitted to our hospital because of muscle weakness and liver dysfunction. CD8-positive T cell infiltration was found in the interstitium of both the liver and muscle. In addition to the administration of a large amount of prednisolone (PSL), high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) successfully improved myositis and hepatitis. Our case indicates the pathogenic potential of CD8-positive T cells in PM-associated liver injury.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use
  • Liver Diseases / immunology*
  • Liver Diseases / pathology
  • Polymyositis / complications
  • Polymyositis / drug therapy
  • Polymyositis / immunology*
  • Polymyositis / pathology
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Prednisolone