Autoimmune Hepatitis in a person with HTLV-1 seropositivity: A rare coincident

A 56-year old male patient diagnosed with Human T Lymphocyte Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) since 2007. He cameto our clinic to do his routine follow up procedure. Clinical examination resulted in no other findings except forrashes on his extensors beacause of his psoriatic disease. We found highly elevated serum aminotransferasesincluding AST and ALT, as well as high level of hematocrit and hemoglobin in laboratory tests. Ultrasoundimaging showed fatty liver disease (grade 1). Serologic studies were negative for Hepatitis B and C viruses.Serum levels of Iron, ferritin and ceruloplasmin were in normal range. Analysis of autoimmune markers such asantinuclear, smooth muscle, antimitochondrial,and liver-kidney microsomal type 1 antibodies were all negative.However, someevidences of autoimmune hepatitis were reportedby both two pathologists who examined thepatient’s liver specimen. Advanced liver fibrosis was shown by both transient elastography (Fibroscan) andpathology assessment. Immediate therapy with high dose prednison was initiated. This study pushes forth theidea of a possible relationship between HTLV-1 infection and various types of autoimmune disorders includingautoimmune hepatitis. Hence, finding the characteristics of this probable relationship might be a proper subjectof further studies.

Keywords:

HTLV-1 , Autoimmunity , Autoimmune Hepatitis , Iran