Trichrome-positive intrahepatic cytoplasmic globules are potential histopathological clue for COVID-19-induced hepatitis: a case report

Abstract Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection mainly affects respiratory system. Later, liver affection has also been reported in the form of marked elevated liver enzymes. However, the association of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and autoimmune disea...

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Main Authors: Dina Sweed, Mohamed Ramadan El Shanshory, Eman Mohammed Elaskary, Hassnaa Atef Hassan, Enas Sweed, Eman Sweed, Shimaa Abdelsattar, Ahmed Abdelgawad, Asmaa Mosbeh, Heba Abdallah, Shereen El-Mashad, Nermine Ehsan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2021-08-01
Series:Egyptian Liver Journal
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s43066-021-00140-5
Description
Summary:Abstract Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection mainly affects respiratory system. Later, liver affection has also been reported in the form of marked elevated liver enzymes. However, the association of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and autoimmune diseases is not clear. Case presentation A female patient with a known history of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHH) for which she was treated with prednisolone was admitted for uncontrolled anemia followed by fever and elevated liver enzymes. All the laboratory and radiological investigations were not typical for COVID-19 or any other etiology. Liver biopsy revealed numerous pale eosinophilic trichrome-positive intracytoplasmic globules. The pathology raised the suspicion for SARS-CoV-2-associated hepatitis, which was confirmed by a positive IgG titer. The patient showed a dramatic improvement on the maintenance dose of prednisolone. Conclusions AIHA patients co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 may be at risk of uncontrolled disease and should continue their treatment regimen. Histopathology has a role in the diagnosis of liver affection due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
ISSN:2090-6226