Beyond the Liver: A Systematic Symptom-Based Approach to Extrahepatic Manifestations in Autoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has long been regarded as an organ-specific disorder. However, increasing evidence supports its systemic nature, with extrahepatic manifestations representing key aspects of clinical management. These manifestations can affect musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, haematologic, and other systems. They also reflect the complex interplay between systemic inflammation, concomitant autoimmune diseases, and drug-related toxicity. A careful evaluation is therefore essential to distinguish between these scenarios, especially for symptoms like fatigue and cytopenias. This narrative review provides a comprehensive, symptom-based overview of extrahepatic clinical and laboratory findings in AIH. By integrating current evidence with practical diagnostic considerations, it aims to offer clinicians a patient-centred and clinically relevant framework for navigating the multifaceted systemic landscape of AIH.
Authors
- Francesco Tovoli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8350-1155)
- Dante Pio Pallotta (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3734-3253)
- Ernestina Santangeli
- Andrea De Sinno
- Matteo Cappelli Aimone Chiorat
- Fabio Piscaglia (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8264-1845)
- Elisa Barbaro
Institutions
- Azienda USL di Bologna (IT)
- University of Bologna (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Livers
- Published
- 2026-04-17
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/livers6020032
- Primary Topic
- Liver Diseases and Immunity
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00