Role of polymerase chain reaction and liver biopsy in the evaluation of patients with asymptomatic transaminitis: Implications in diagnostic approach

Abstract

A stepwise diagnostic algorithm in patients with ARHA resulted in an optimal use of PCR and invasive tests such as liver biopsy. Cryptic HBV and HCV infection was frequent among these patients and PCR was necessary in such cases. NASH and chronic viral hepatitis were the most frequent causes of ARHA.