EXTRAHEPATIC MANIFESTATIONS OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS

HCV was known to be one of hepatotropic viruses that can cause injury to liver ranging from mild hepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma; Now it is found that HCV is lymphotropic and also have direct cytopathologic effect on many cells; So that HCV can nearly affect all body organs as skin, kidney, pancreas, thyroid, lungs, joints and even the heart and CNS.EHM classified into four groups according to degree of association recorded to HCV infection. Group A includes EHM characterized by a strong association proven by both epidemiologic and pathogenetic evidence. Group B includes disorders for which a significant association with HCV infection is supported by substantial epidemiologic data, Groups C and D associations are still require confirmation and/or more detailed characterization.