COVID-19 and hepatic involvement: The liver as a main actor of the pandemic novel

In the natural history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, liver injury is frequent but quite mild and it is defined as any liver damage occurring during disease progression and treatment of infection in patients with or without pre-existing liver diseases. The underlying mechanisms for hepatic injury in patients with COVID-19 are still unclear but the liver damage in SARS-CoV-2 infection seems to be directly caused by virus-induced cytopathic effects. In this review, we will summarize all data of updated literature, regarding the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection, acute response and liver involvement. An overview will be given on liver injury, liver transplant and the possible consequences of COVID-19 in patients with pre-existing liver diseases.

Automated summary

Liver injury in patients with COVID-19 is frequent but mild, possibly directly caused by virus-induced cytopathic effects. The relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection, acute response, and liver involvement requires further exploration based on updated literature data.