Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Autoimmune Hepatitis Patients: A Case Series

Abstract

The risk of HCC among AIH patients with cirrhosis is 1.9% per year. This is comparable to HCC risk among patients with cirrhosis secondary to HBV, HCV, hemochromatosis, or alcohol-related liver disease. Although this data needs to be confirmed in prospective studies, routine cancer screening and surveillance among this cohort for early detection and treatment should be conducted.

Autoimmune Hepatitis

“…A recent study determined that the risk of developing HCC in patients with AIH with cirrhosis is 1% to 1.9% per year. 55 This rate is similar to that seen in patients with cirrhosis secondary to hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and alcohol-related liver disease. For patients who progress to liver failure, liver transplantation may be considered, which has 5-year survival rates of approximately 75%.…”

Autoimmune Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

“…The study by Wong et al [18] described in this issue of Digestive Diseases and Sciences finds that HCC in the context of underlying AIH is a rare event but does occur in those who have AIH-induced cirrhosis. Using the Organ Transplant Tracking Record (OTTR), 322 patients with AIH were observed over a 10-year period, 50 of whom were either cirrhotic at diagnosis or developed cirrhosis at a later date.…”

Population-Based Prevalence, Incidence, and Disease Burden of Autoimmune Hepatitis in South Korea

“…Hepatocellular carcinoma was diagnosed in 0.8% (31/4,085) of patients. Previously reported frequencies of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with AIH are 1.1% (8/730 patients), [9] 1.9% (6/322 patients), [19] 3.6% (7/193 patients), [20] 4.0% (10/248 patients) [21] and 6.2% (15/ 243 patients). [22] Hepatocellular carcinoma frequency mainly depends on the presence of cirrhosis and the duration of the disease.…”