Autoimmune hepatitis

Definition

A rare liver disease characterized by immune-mediated, acute or chronic liver inflammation, clinically presenting as cryptogenic hepatitis, with interface hepatitis on histological examination, elevated serum aminotransferase levels, and hypergammaglobulinemia / elevated immunoglobulin G, in the presence or absence of specific circulating autoantibodies. Patients may be asymptomatic, chronically ill, or present with acute liver failure. Concurrent autoimmune diseases are frequently observed.