Hepatitis A physical examination

Hepatitis A virus infection is commonly associated with fever, jaundice, icteric sclera, abdominal tenderness, and hepatomegaly on physical examination. Other pertinent findings include rash, cervical lymphadenopathy, abdominal distension, ascites, and altered mental status.

The appearance of the patient on presentation depends on his/her age. Younger patients tend to be asymptomatic, while symptomatic patients tend to be older. Symptomatic patients may have a range of symptoms that can vary in severity from a mild flu-like illness to fulminant hepatitis. Patients with fulminant hepatitis are usually disoriented and very ill-looking.

• Fever is often present, with a temperature up to 40°C

• Tachycardia may be present

• Hypotension may be present

• Tachypnea may be present

• Jaundice is often present
• Rash may be present
• Petechiae may be present

• Icteric sclera is often present

• Cervical lymphadenopathy may be present

• Abdominal distention may be present
• Abdominal tenderness is often present
• Hepatomegaly with right upper quadrant tenderness is often present
• Splenomegaly may be present
• Ascites may be present in severe stages of disease

• Altered mental status may be present
• Encephalopathy may be present

• 
  The viral disease Hepatitis A is manifested here as icterus, or jaundice of the conjunctivae and facial skin. Adapted from Public Health Image Library (PHIL), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.^[1]

Template:WH Template:WS