Autoimmune Hepatitis Presenting With Severe Pruritus in a 27-Year-Old Male

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic immune-mediated liver disorder characterized by progressive hepatocellular inflammation and elevated autoantibodies. Although most patients present with jaundice, fatigue, or nonspecific hepatic symptoms, pruritus as the primary complaint is uncommon, especially in the absence of overt cholestasis. We report a case of a 27-year-old male presenting with severe generalized pruritus who was ultimately diagnosed with AIH. Laboratory evaluation revealed a hepatocellular injury pattern, strongly positive autoimmune serology, and elevated IgG levels, consistent with AIH. High-dose prednisolone therapy led to marked symptomatic improvement and rapid biochemical normalization. This case highlights pruritus as an uncommon but important presentation of AIH and underscores the need to consider AIH in patients with persistent, unexplained pruritus.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-12-20
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.99742
Primary Topic
Liver Diseases and Immunity
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Autoimmune Hepatitis Presenting With Severe Pruritus in a 27-Year-Old Male

Cureus
Liver Diseases and Immunity
article

Autoimmune Hepatitis Presenting With Severe Pruritus in a 27-Year-Old Male

article en

Abstract

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic immune-mediated liver disorder characterized by progressive hepatocellular inflammation and elevated autoantibodies. Although most patients present with jaundice, fatigue, or nonspecific hepatic symptoms, pruritus as the primary complaint is uncommon, especially in the absence of overt cholestasis. We report a case of a 27-year-old male presenting with severe generalized pruritus who was ultimately diagnosed with AIH. Laboratory evaluation revealed a hepatocellular injury pattern, strongly positive autoimmune serology, and elevated IgG levels, consistent with AIH. High-dose prednisolone therapy led to marked symptomatic improvement and rapid biochemical normalization. This case highlights pruritus as an uncommon but important presentation of AIH and underscores the need to consider AIH in patients with persistent, unexplained pruritus.

CureusVol. 17(12)
Square Hospitals (BD), Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College (BD)
Openalex Percentile: Top 45%
Liver Diseases and Immunity
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Autoimmune Hepatitis Presenting With Severe Pruritus in a 27-Year-Old Male · Cureus (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS