Etymed
hepatitis
Definition
inflammation of the liver
Clinical context
A 35-year-old intravenous drug user presents with fatigue, jaundice, and right upper quadrant pain. Laboratory studies reveal elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin. A liver biopsy shows hepatocyte necrosis and inflammatory infiltrate. What condition does this patient have? The inflammation is primarily affecting the hepatocytes and surrounding tissue.
Mnemonic
HEPATIC inflammation = HEPATITIS