Several Cases of Epstein-Barr Virus Associated Hepatitis

Jung, H M; Choi, J H; Oh, S H; Wee, S H; Lim, S H; Kim, N Y; Lee, K H; Choi, S E

Abstract

The Epstein-Barr virus is a ubiquitous virus associated with a variety of different diseases and disorders. The hepatic manifestations of Epstein-Barr virus-associated disease or disorders are cornmon, among from hepatitis through lymphoproliferstive disorders to maligoancy, but isolated asymptcenatic hepatitis is unusual. Furthennore it has been known that the prognosis would be excellent. We reawtly experieaced 7 patients with variable clinical features of hepatitis associaed with Epstem-Barr virus in the absence of other common features of infectious mononucleosis. Most patients showed similar climcal features with common viral tis with restoration of normal liver function tests within 4 to 6 weeks. Amomg 7 patients, one case of a 37-year-old icteric female patient had extensive n is and msulted in liver cirrhosis. Since the correct identifieation of an Epstein-Barr virus-associated disotders in liver relies heavily upon clinica1 suspicion and ceeful examination, one should keep in mind the possibility of Epstein-Barr virus-associated titis for hepatitis of unknown etiology in our country. When ERV infection is diagnosed, we can not be sure that chronic liver disease will not occur.