Volume 89 - 2026 - Fasc.2 - Reviews
Auto-immune hepatitis following COVID-19 Vaccination and SARS-COV2 infection : A narrative Review
Background and objectives : Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, both SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination have been implicated as potential triggers for de novo autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). This review summarizes published cases, outlining clinical and biological features, treatment approaches, and outcomes.
Methods : A PubMed search identified reports of new-onset AIH following SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination up to February 1, 2025. Inclusion criteria encompassed case reports, series, and reviews. Data were extracted on demographics, vaccine type, onset timing, laboratory findings, histology, treatments, and outcomes.
Results : A total of 74 post-vaccination AIH cases and 22 post-infection cases were included. Post-vaccination AIH predominantly affected older women (median age 62) and occurred mainly after mRNA vaccines, with a median onset of 14 days. Most patients showed marked transaminase elevation, high IgG, and positive ANA (74.3%). Liver biopsies (performed in 92% of cases) showed features compatible with AIH. A total of 80% of the 50 cases of our study with available serology and liver histology were classified as probable / definite AIH, according to the simplified AIH score. Corticosteroid therapy was effective in most cases (survival 95.9%). Post-infection AIH cases showed similar features but affected younger individuals (median age 47), with uniformly favorable responses to immunosuppression.
Conclusions : New-onset AIH can occur following both SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. Although these events remain rare, recognition of this association is essential for timely diagnosis and management
Radiological Assessment of Acute Pancreatitis: A Comprehensive Review
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the leading causes of emergency department visits and hospital admissions in Western countries. Although numerous aetiologies have been described, up to 90% of cases are attributable to gallstones and chronic alcohol abuse. The clinical presentation of AP is highly variable, ranging from mild, self-limiting disease to severe forms characterised by infected necrotising pancreatitis, systemic complications, and organ failure. Severe cases frequently require prolonged hospitalisation and are associated with increased mortality. Early identification of disease severity and accurate determination of the underlying aetiology are therefore essential to guide appropriate treatment, reduce the risk of complications, and improve patient outcomes. This review discusses the pivotal role of diagnostic radiology in the evaluation and staging of AP, with the aim of optimising patient management, treatment planning, and follow-up. Particular emphasis is placed on transabdominal ultrasound (TA-US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and its emerging applications in pancreatic imaging.
Helicobacter pylori infection and pregnancy-related issues: literature review
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium that infects approximately half of the worldwide population. Although asymptomatic in most people, it can cause non-ulcer dyspepsia, gastro-duodenal ulcer disease and gastric cancer. H. pylori infection has also been correlated with extra-intestinal diseases like unexplained iron-deficiency anemia, immune thrombocytopenia and vitamin B12 deficiency. Its impact on pregnancy issues has also been studied, but the relationship is less clear. Recently, multiple meta-analyses found that H. pylori infection is correlated with gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, nausea and hyperemesis gravidarum, and adverse birth outcomes such as birth defects and fetal growth restriction. There is no recommendation for treating H. pylori infection during pregnancy according to the Maastricht VI consensus. This article aims to state the current knowledge about H. pylori infection and pregnancy-related diseases
Multi-stakeholder Delphi consensus on future care for inflammatory bowel disease in Belgium
Background: Care for patients with IBD has changed over the last decades with increased prevalence and subsequent financial and organizational burden on the health care system. The aim of this work was to develop a nationwide consensus on how to organize care for patients with IBD.
Methods: We developed a consensus document through a modified Delphi process including different Belgian stakeholders involved in the care for patients with IBD. Through two voting rounds and a consensus meeting statements were developed.
Results: Thirty-three statements reached consensus through the Delphi process. The statements can be classified in six major domains: IBD registry and data utilization, Patient reported data, Multidisciplinary care, IBD nurse role and financial support, Access to diagnostic & monitoring tools and Treatment & medication reimbursement.
Conclusion: We developed a broadly supported consensus on how to organize care for patients with IBD in the Belgian healthcare environment. Selection of focus area should seek for balance between optimization of clinical outcomes, securing quality of care and maintaining financial sustainability.