Chronic hepatitis C, common variable immunodeficiency and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Coincidence by chance or common etiology?

A case of chronic viral hepatitis is presented which is accompanied by an acquired immunodeficiency from the very beginning. Further problems arise by onset of an autoimmune hemolytic anemia. This is the first report on an association of chronic hepatitis C with acquired immunodeficiency and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. We assume in accordance with the patient's history that both have occurred as complications secondary to HCV infection. This adds another facet to the list of autoimmune phenomena during hepatitis C infection probably by induction of self-reactive B-cell clones.