Posttransplant liver granulomatosis associated with hepatitis C?

Transplantation. 1998 Jun 15;65(11):1494-5. doi: 10.1097/00007890-199806150-00015.

Abstract

Background: Liver granulomatosis is an occasional finding in posttransplant liver biopsies. Its diagnosis is made more difficult by the variety of conditions that can lead to it. In the nontransplant setting, the association of liver granulomatosis and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has occasionally been described.

Methods: We describe the case of a patient with a liver transplantation for an HCV-associated cirrhosis who developed an alteration of liver tests. Granulomatosis was detected on the liver biopsy.

Results: Other causes of granulomatosis were satisfactorily excluded. The development of the lesions coincided with a viral flare-up.

Conclusion: We think that HCV can be listed among the possible causes of liver granulomas in the posttransplant setting and that it must be considered in the differential diagnosis of this condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Granuloma / pathology
  • Granuloma / virology*
  • Hepatitis C / complications*
  • Humans
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / surgery
  • Liver Cirrhosis / virology
  • Liver Diseases / pathology
  • Liver Diseases / virology*
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications*