Undiagnosed Vertically Acquired HCV Infection Leading to Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Liver Transplant in an Adolescent Female: A Case Report

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a global health concern and is the most common blood-borne infection in the United States (U.S.). According to results obtained from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 0.6% of children and adolescents 6 to 19 years of age were found to be infected with HCV in the U.S.However, it is important to note that the majority of children infected with HCV have not been diagnosed. Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is uncommon in chronically infected children, with few reported cases in the literature. This case describes the development of HCC in an otherwise healthy individual who acquired HCV through vertical transmission and highlights the importance of vigilance of this infection to prevent delay in diagnosis and institution of appropriate management.