Abstract

Background

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection has been reported in association with several extrahepatic manifestations. Included in this list is interstitial lung involvement.

Aims

The aim of the present study was to evaluate pulmonary alterations in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

Patients

Twenty-one patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection were enrolled into a prospective study. One patient has been excluded because of underlying tuberculosis.

Methods

All patients underwent pulmonary function tests, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide and high-resolution computed tomography of the chest.

Results

Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in first second/forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in first second values were reduced to less than 80% of predicted values in 3, 11 and 5 patients, respectively. Diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide was low in 12 patients (60%), 8 of whom had simultaneous decrease in diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide/VA values. Thorax high-resolution computed tomography revealed abnormal findings in eight patients (40%). Fifteen patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection (75%) had at least one pulmonary alteration as evidenced by abnormal pulmonary function tests, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide and/or high-resolution computed tomography results.

Conclusion

In spite of a limited study population, these findings may implicate that pulmonary manifestations of chronic hepatitis C virus infection are frequently underdiagnosed.

Keywords: HCV infection; Interstitial lung involvement; Pulmonary manifestations

Article Outline

1. Introduction

2. Materials and methods

2.1. Study design

2.2. Methods

2.2.1. PFT and DLCO

2.2.2. HRCT

2.3. Statistical analysis

3. Results

3.1. PFT and DLCO

3.2. HRCT

4. Discussion

Conflict of interest statement

References