Immunoglobulin G4-associated autoimmune hepatitis with peripheral blood eosinophilia: a case report

Background Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) associated autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been recognized as a type of autoimmune disease that responds to corticosteroid. The diagnosis is based on elevation of the serum IgG4 level, abundance of IgG4 enhanced plasma cell infiltration in the portal region of the liver, and satisfaction of the criteria for “definite AIH” under the revised International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) scoring system. However, the clinical course of the disease is unclear. Case presentation A 65-year-old man with jaundice and peripheral blood eosinophilia. His IAIHG and simplified score was compatible with definite AIH and his IgG4 level was elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal abnormalities in the hepatobiliary system or pancreas. A liver biopsy revealed interface hepatitis with IgG4 positive plasma cell infiltration in the portal region, without evidence of bile duct injury. He responded to 4-week period of induction prednisolone therapy and had no recurring symptoms under maintenance therapy of 5 mg prednisolone during the 3-year follow up. Conclusions This was a rare case that demonstrated an association between IgG4 associated AIH and the presence of peripheral blood eosinophilia.

Anatomical Variant of the Liver Blood Supply

Vascular variations are significant for liver transplantations, radiological procedures, laparoscopic method of operation and for the healing of penetrating injuries, including the space closer to the hepatic area. This variants are very common in the abdominal region, and their description will be useful. During a routine dissection of 73 year old female cadaver, we found on subhepatic region that the blood supply of the liver differed from a normal one. The difference was found in the absence of the right liver branch and the cystic artery, which normally arises from the common hepatic artery. After a detailed dissection of the superior mesenteric artery we distinguished a branch, which is routed to the right lobe of the liver. The diameter of this vessel is 3.7 mm and the length is 8.2 cm. In the artery pathway, three consecutive branches were observed. The first branch was found about 2.02 cm before the portal region of the liver. The second one became visible after another millimeter and finally the artery made one little curve and became a cystic artery.