Lupus-like syndrome with submassive hepatic necrosis associated with hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a common self-limited liver disease. However, 15% of patients may have some complications. Autoimmune hepatitis that is triggered by viral hepatitis has been reported. We hereby describe an unrecognized association of hepatitis A with a full blown lupus-like syndrome manifested by the appearance of arthralgia, exudative pleural effusion with the presence of lupus erythematosus cells and autoantibodies. All these findings disappeared after a short course of steroid treatment. The case is presented and the literature is reviewed. (C) 2001 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd.