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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 21, 2014; 20(35): 12372-12380
Published online Sep 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i35.12372
Published online Sep 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i35.12372
Extrahepatic immune related manifestations in chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Maria Tampaki, John Koskinas, Academic Department of Medicine, Medical School of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens 17123, Greece
Author contributions: Tampaki M and Koskinas J contributed to the manuscript.
Correspondence to: John Koskinas, MD, PhD, Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, 114 Vas, Sofias Str., Athens 17123, Greece. koskinas@ath.forthnet.gr
Telephone: +30-213-2088641 Fax: +20-213-2088641
Received: October 1, 2013
Revised: March 23, 2014
Accepted: June 20, 2014
Published online: September 21, 2014
Processing time: 353 Days and 15 Hours
Revised: March 23, 2014
Accepted: June 20, 2014
Published online: September 21, 2014
Processing time: 353 Days and 15 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: Autoimmune manifestations appear with an elevated prevalence in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. Despite their frequency, the pathophysiology of most of these syndromes is not adequately elucidated. We searched thoroughly through the available data and provided a summary of variable clinical manifestations and immune mediated diseases presenting during chronic HCV infection. The differences between HCV-related autoimmune syndromes and other similar autoimmune diseases have been cited. Moreover, we listed and critically analyzed the most supported theories regarding their pathogenesis.