Often there is very little history available, however it should focus mainly on:
- risk factors for viral hepatitis such as IV drug use, recent tattoos, travel and sexual histories
- family history of Wilson’s or haemochromatosis
- Exposure to viruses, drugs or toxins but can often be non-specific with symptoms of anorexia or vomiting
- Recent GI upset can point to mushroom poisoning
- Recent shock/arrest can point towards acute ischaemic injury
- Breast cancer, melanoma, lymphoma and small cell cancers can give rise to malignant infiltration
- Active malignancy can also be responsible for Budd-Chiari syndrome
- Patients with severe encephalopathy, the history may be limited or unavailable