Undifferentiated connective tissue diseases-related hepatic injury

World J Gastroenterol. 2008 May 7;14(17):2780-2. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.2780.

Abstract

Hepatic injury is rarely associated with undifferentiated connective tissue diseases (UCTD). We report, here, a case of a middle-aged woman with UCTD-related hepatic injury, including its case history, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, treatment and its short-term effect. The patient was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of fatigue, anorexia, low-grade fever and skin rashes. She had a past history of left knee joint replacement. Laboratory tests showed elevated levels of serum transaminase, IgG and globulin, accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, eosinophilia and a high titer of antinuclear antibodies (1:320). Imaging studies showed interstitial pneumonitis and hydropericardium. Liver biopsy showed the features which were consistent with those of connective tissue diseases-related polyangitis. After treatment with a low-dose of oral prednisone, both symptoms and laboratory findings were significantly improved. UCTD-related hepatic injury should be considered in the differential diagnosis of connective tissue diseases with abnormal liver function tests. Low-dose prednisone may effectively improve both symptoms and laboratory tests.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Connective Tissue Diseases / classification
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / complications*
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / drug therapy
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases / drug therapy
  • Liver Diseases / etiology*
  • Liver Diseases / pathology
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / etiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericardial Effusion / etiology
  • Prednisone / administration & dosage
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Prednisone