Last March I went to the doctor because I was having low grade fevers, muscle weakness, and flu-like aching. Blood tests showed normal CBC, LFT's, and electrolytes, positive ANA of 1:640, positive LKM1 antibodies, positive antibodies for prior EBV and CMV infection, high morning blood cortisol, negative anti-DNA, SSA, SSB, Scl-70, cardiolipin, negative hepatitis viruses, and normal 24 hr urine cortisol.
I have a history of positive ANA 1:320, positive anti-cardiolipin antibodies, anemia, low lymphocytes during pregnancy ten years ago. I've also had a rash on my cheeks and nose since that time for which rosacea creams don't help. I have dry skin, rashes, and tight, cracking skin on my fingers. I also having joint aches in my fingers in the morning sometimes. I'm cold all the time. I have had bloating for years and have been diagnosed with IBS and gastritis. I've had random vomiting episodes where I feel lightheaded and my arms go numb since childhood (I'm in my 30's now). Have gone to the ER for it, but they didn't check liver tests, only CBC and electrolytes which showed high WBC, high neutrophils, high MCH, low sodium, low calcium, ketones in urine, and high urine PH. I have Hashimoto's but it is well controlled. My mother and maternal grandmother died of liver disease, and my dad had Hashimoto's, diabetes, and he died from interstitial lung disease.
Went to a respected hepatologist at a major medical center and he said the LKM antibodies are associated with autoimmune hepatitis type 2, but since LFT's and ultrasound are normal, I just need to have blood tests every 6 months at my GP. Rheumatologist has diagnosed me with undifferentiated connective tissue disease and I'm on Plaquenil. I'm wondering if I should push for a liver biopsy because of my family history even though my liver tests seem normal. I know it is important to get treatment with AIH to stop progression to cirrhosis. My hepatologist thinks that since my tests are normal, I'm probably fine. I'm just afraid he's going to turn out to be wrong, especially since I'm still having aching and fevers, which I know can be present in liver disease, but maybe it's just the UCTD. I don't know what to think.
Anyone have any insight on my situation, please?