Autoimmune hepatitis in a young female Nigerian presenting in advanced cirrhosis: A case report

Autoimmune Hepatitis in a young female Nigerian.

Authors

  • Oguntoye OO Department of Medicine, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
  • Osasona EO Department of Medicine, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
  • Oguntoye OA Department of Anatomic Pathology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
  • Adeniyi OM Department of Anatomic Pathology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
  • Ibrahim AO Department of Family Medicine, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38029/babcockuniv.med.j..v8i1.714

Keywords:

Advanced, Autoimmune Hepatitis, Chronic Liver Disease, Liver Cirrhosis, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Autoimmune hepatitis is an immune-mediated, chronic inflammation of the liver that can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma if untreated. It is a rare cause of chronic liver disease in Nigeria.

Case Presentation: Our patient is a 32-year-old lady who presented with a nine-year history of intermittent abdominal swelling and recurrent jaundice. There were peripheral stigmata of chronic liver disease. Abdominal CT scan showed hepatomegaly with multiple ill-defined heterogenous lesions and nodular hepatic margins, splenomegaly and ascites. Anti-Nuclear Antibody was positive, and there was hypergammaglobulinaemia. Liver biopsy showed histologic features that were consistent with Autoimmune Hepatitis. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed columns of grade 3 oesophageal varices, and she had variceal band ligation therapy done. Based on the International AIH Group revised criteria, she had a score of 8, thus fulfilling the criteria for the diagnosis of definite type 1 AIH. She was commenced on tab prednisolone alongside other liver supportive therapies with improvement in her clinical condition and biochemical profile.

Conclusion: Autoimmune hepatitis is an uncommon cause of chronic liver disease in Nigeria; a high index of suspicion would enable early diagnosis and prompt treatment with immunosuppressants in order to prevent the development of advanced liver disease.

Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

Oguntoye, O., Osasona, E., Oguntoye, O., Adeniyi, O., & Ibrahim, A. (2025). Autoimmune hepatitis in a young female Nigerian presenting in advanced cirrhosis: A case report: Autoimmune Hepatitis in a young female Nigerian . Babcock University Medical Journal, 8(1), 224–229. https://doi.org/10.38029/babcockuniv.med.j.v8i1.714

Issue

Section

Case Report