Diagnostic Dilemma in a Septuagenarian Patient: Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI) or Autoimmune Hepatitis?

TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges in diagnosing autoimmune hepatitis in an elderly Indian woman with elevated liver enzymes.

Contribution

The paper presents a detailed case study emphasizing diagnostic complexities in distinguishing autoimmune hepatitis from other liver conditions.

Findings

An elderly woman with elevated liver enzymes was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis after a liver biopsy.

The case illustrates the diagnostic challenges in differentiating autoimmune hepatitis from drug-induced liver injury.

The report outlines the process and considerations in developing a management plan for the patient.

Abstract

Autoimmune hepatitis is an uncommon, long-term condition in which the immune system targets the liver, leading to inflammation. It can affect individuals of any age or background and often presents either without symptoms or with vague complaints such as tiredness, appetite loss, nausea, or weight reduction. While it can emerge at any point in life, it tends to occur more frequently during adolescence and again in later adulthood. This report describes the case of an elderly woman of Indian origin who was found to have elevated liver enzymes with no clear cause. Subsequent evaluations, including liver biopsy, confirmed autoimmune hepatitis. This case highlights the steps taken to reach a diagnosis and the complexities involved in choosing a suitable management plan.

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