An HIV-infected patient with a history of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection presented with chronic hepatitis E complicated by chylous ascites. The patient's immunocompromised status likely contributed to the unusual presentation and severity of the HEV infection. Diagnosis of chronic hepatitis E was confirmed, and the chylous ascites was identified as a rare complication. This case highlights that chronic hepatitis E can manifest with atypical complications like chylous ascites, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, expanding the known clinical spectrum of HEV infection beyond typical transaminitis and cirrhosis.
Key note: Chronic hepatitis E in immunocompromised patients can present with rare complications like chylous ascites.