Authors : Maryam Monajemzadeh , Mohammad Taghi Haghi Ashtiani , Mehri Najafi , Masoud Choopani , Fatemeh Mahjoub , Setareh Mamishi , Ahmad Khodadad , Amir Hossein Sina , Nasim Kashef and Zahra Omidi
Abstract: Hepatic granulomas have been reported in 2-15% of unselected liver biopsies, with a wide clinical profile responsible for their presence. To date, no series concerning the prevalence and the etiology of granulomas from Iran has been reported. To evaluate the current prevalence and etiologic factors of granulomatous hepatitis in Iranian children. A retrospective review of patient pathology report between 1996 and 2005; all patients who had a liver biopsy at Children`s Medical Center revealing granulomatous hepatitis had their case notes and liver biopsies reviewed and a standard proforma completed. Hepatic granulomas were found in 33 patients. Of those identified, 54.5% were female, with a mean age of 3.1 years (SD = 4.8). In 19 cases (57.6%) a definite clinical diagnosis was established. Underlying etiologies were as follows: mycobacterial infection (45.5%), sarcoidosis (6.1%), HCV infection (3.0%) and kala-azar (3.0%). About 42.4% of cases remained undiagnosed. Our series showed that mycobacterial infection is an important cause of granulomatous hepatitis in this population. A rather large number of idiopathic cases were recorded.
Maryam Monajemzadeh , Mohammad Taghi Haghi Ashtiani , Mehri Najafi , Masoud Choopani , Fatemeh Mahjoub , Setareh Mamishi , Ahmad Khodadad , Amir Hossein Sina , Nasim Kashef and Zahra Omidi , 2009. Granulomatous Hepatitis: A 10 Years Study in Iranian Children. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 4: 503-505.