Development of Autoimmune Hepatitis after COVID-19 Infection in Vaccinated Women.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with the impairment of several organs, including the liver. In addition, cases of autoimmune hepatitis have been described in association with COVID-19 disease. According to some case reports, vaccination has also been suggested to elicit the immune liver disorder. We report on the case series of two middle-aged women developing COVID-19 infection despite a completed vaccination schedule. More interestingly, the infection was followed by the onset of acute hepatitis with a significant increase in the values of liver function tests (x 10 normal values). After ruling out the main causes of liver damage (viral, toxic, etc.), a diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis was made and supported by liver histology in both cases. The clinical picture was quickly reverted with immunosuppressive (steroid) therapy, also confirming the diagnosis. We observed a possible relationship between COVID-19 infection and the onset of autoimmune hepatitis and also described this occurrence in vaccinated subjects. It remains to be clarified whether repeated exposure to viral antigens (vaccination plus true infection) or specific emerging viral genotype (omicron strain) may facilitate the onset of this immune liver disease.