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Kleczka A, Mazur B, Tomaszek K, Gabriel A, Dzik R, Kabała-Dzik A. Association of NK Cells with the Severity of Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2187. [PMID: 37443584 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13132187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Some NK cell subpopulations may be involved in the modulation of fibrogenesis in the liver. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the number and phenotype of NK cell subsets in peripheral blood (PB) and total NK cell percentage, population density and the degree of liver fibrosis of patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV+). The study group consisted of 56 HCV+ patients, divided into two subgroups: patients with mild or moderate fibrosis and patients with advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis (F ≥ 3 in METAVIR classification). The preparations were stained with H-E and AZAN staining. NK cells were targeted with anti-CD56 antibody and identified automatically in situ using the DakoVision system. Assessment of different NK cell subsets in PB was performed with the flow cytometry technique. In the PB of HCV+ patients with advanced liver fibrosis, there was a lower proportion of CD62L+; CD62L+/CD94++; CD27+; CD127+/CD27+ and CXCR3+/CD27+ NK subsets, as compared to patients with mild/moderate liver fibrosis. The results also showed no association between total PB NK cell level and total intrahepatic NK cell population density between patients with mild/moderate fibrosis and with advanced liver fibrosis. However, positive correlations between the PB levels of CD94+ and CD62L+ NK cell subsets and the intrahepatic total NK cell percentage and population density in the liver, irrespectively to the extent of fibrosis, were observed. Additionally, positive correlation was found between the PB CXCR3+/CD94+ NK cell percentages and intrahepatic NK cell percentages in patients with advanced hepatic fibrosis. Lower blood availability of specific NK subsets in patients with chronic type C hepatitis might be a cause of progression of liver fibrosis via insufficient control over hepatic stellate cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kleczka
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Ostrogórska 30, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Bogdan Mazur
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-808 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Tomaszek
- Department of Pathomorphology, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Andrzej Gabriel
- Department of Pathomorphology, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Radosław Dzik
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biosensors and Processing of Biomedical Signals, Silesian University of Technology, Roosevelta 40, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Agata Kabała-Dzik
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Ostrogórska 30, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
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Alpsoy A, Adanir H, Bayramoglu Z, Elpek GO. Correlation of hepatitis B surface antigen expression with clinicopathological and biochemical parameters in liver biopsies: A comprehensive study. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:260-273. [PMID: 35126853 PMCID: PMC8790405 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i1.260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic viral B hepatitis (CHB) is a potentially life-threatening liver disease that may progress to liver failure and cirrhosis. Currently, although combinations of different laboratory methods are used in the follow-up and treatment of CHB, the failure of these procedures in some cases has led to the necessity of developing new approaches. In CHB, the intrahepatic expression pattern of viral antigens, including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), is related to different phases of inflammation. However, many studies have focused on the intracytoplasmic properties of HBsAg staining, and HBsAg positivity in liver tissue has not been evaluated by objective quantitative methods.
AIM To investigate the relationship of image analysis-based quantitative HBsAg expression and its staining patterns with clinicopathological factors and treatment in CHB.
METHODS A total of 140 liver biopsies from treatment-naïve cases with CHB infection were included in this study. Following diagnosis, all patients were treated with entecavir (0.5 mg) and followed up at three-month intervals. The percentage of immunohistochemical HBsAg (p-HBsAg) expression in the liver was determined in whole tissue sections of biopsies from each case by image analysis. The immunohistochemical staining pattern was also evaluated separately according to 3 different previously defined classifications.
RESULTS A positive correlation between p-HBsAg and serum levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and HBsAg was observed (P < 0.001). The p-HBsAg value was significantly higher in younger patients than in older patients. When the groups were categorized according to the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status in HBeAg-positive cases, p-HBsAg was correlated with HBV DNA, hepatitis activity index (HAI) and fibrosis scores (P < 0.001). In this group, p-HBsAg and HBsAg expression patterns were also correlated with the viral response (VR) and the serological response (SR) (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that p-HBsAg was an independent predictor of either VR or SR (P < 0.001). In HBeAg-negative patients, although HBsAg expression patterns were correlated with both HAI and fibrosis, no relationship was observed among p-HBsAg, clinicopathological factors and VR.
CONCLUSION In pretreatment liver biopsies, the immunohistochemical determination of HBsAg expression by quantitative methods, beyond its distribution within the cell, may be a good predictor of the treatment response, especially in HBeAg-positive cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Alpsoy
- Department of Pathology, Akdeniz University, Medical School, Antalya 07070, Turkey
| | - Haydar Adanir
- Department of Gastroenterology, Akdeniz University, Medical School, Antalya 07070, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Bayramoglu
- Department of Pathology, Akdeniz University, Medical School, Antalya 07070, Turkey
| | - Gulsum Ozlem Elpek
- Department of Pathology, Akdeniz University, Medical School, Antalya 07070, Turkey
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Neuberger J, Patel J, Caldwell H, Davies S, Hebditch V, Hollywood C, Hubscher S, Karkhanis S, Lester W, Roslund N, West R, Wyatt JI, Heydtmann M. Guidelines on the use of liver biopsy in clinical practice from the British Society of Gastroenterology, the Royal College of Radiologists and the Royal College of Pathology. Gut 2020; 69:1382-1403. [PMID: 32467090 PMCID: PMC7398479 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-321299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver biopsy is required when clinically important information about the diagnosis, prognosis or management of a patient cannot be obtained by safer means, or for research purposes. There are several approaches to liver biopsy but predominantly percutaneous or transvenous approaches are used. A wide choice of needles is available and the approach and type of needle used will depend on the clinical state of the patient and local expertise but, for non-lesional biopsies, a 16-gauge needle is recommended. Many patients with liver disease will have abnormal laboratory coagulation tests or receive anticoagulation or antiplatelet medication. A greater understanding of the changes in haemostasis in liver disease allows for a more rational, evidence-based approach to peri-biopsy management. Overall, liver biopsy is safe but there is a small morbidity and a very small mortality so patients must be fully counselled. The specimen must be of sufficient size for histopathological interpretation. Communication with the histopathologist, with access to relevant clinical information and the results of other investigations, is essential for the generation of a clinically useful report.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Neuberger
- Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jai Patel
- Department of Vascular Radiology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Helen Caldwell
- Liver Unit, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Susan Davies
- Department of Histopathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Coral Hollywood
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester, UK
| | - Stefan Hubscher
- Department of Pathology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Salil Karkhanis
- Department of Radiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Will Lester
- Department of Haematology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Judith I Wyatt
- Department of Pathology, St James University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Mathis Heydtmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Glasgow, UK
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Lew M, Hissong EM, Westerhoff MA, Lamps LW. Optimizing small liver biopsy specimens: a combined cytopathology and surgical pathology perspective. J Am Soc Cytopathol 2020; 9:405-421. [PMID: 32641246 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2020.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Both fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy (CNB) are widely used to obtain liver biopsy specimens, particularly from mass lesions. However, the advantages and disadvantages of FNA versus CNB in terms of appropriate use, diagnostic yield, complications, and whether or not specimens should be handled by cytopathologists, surgical pathologists, or both remain subjects of controversy. This review addresses the issues of sample adequacy, appropriate use of each technique and complications, and challenges regarding the diagnosis of both hepatic tumors and non-neoplastic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn Lew
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Erika M Hissong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell College of Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Laura W Lamps
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Andruszkow J, Hartleben B, Schlué J, Ritz T, Knüchel R, Hasan A, Petersen C, Madadi-Sanjani O. [Staging of liver fibrosis in biliary atresia : Comparison of Chevallier and Ishak score as well as automated evaluation]. DER PATHOLOGE 2019; 40:85-92. [PMID: 30617605 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-018-0558-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare disease of the newborn, resulting in liver cirrhosis due to obliterative cholangiopathy. Liver biopsies are commonly performed in order to confirm the diagnosis and in order to stage fibrosis. OBJECTIVES The present study intended to analyze two established scores for evaluating liver fibrosis focusing on the interobserver variability as well as the prognostic reliability towards the time of liver transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Liver biopsies of BA patients between 2012 and 2015 were evaluated retrospectively by two pathologists at the Hannover Medical School (MHH) and the RWTH Aachen University Hospital. Fibrosis was measured using Ishak and Chevallier scores. Furthermore, a computerized automatically algorithm-based analyzation (ABAA) was performed. Results were evaluated towards the time point of liver transplantation and hepatoportoenterostomy (HPE). RESULTS Overall, 34 liver biopsies were analyzed. The Ishak score showed a remarkable interobserver variability (ΚW = 0.68) while the Chevallier score was proven to have a poor interobserver variability (Fleiss' Κappa = -0.01). However, both scores were correlated positively, as was the ABAA (p < 0.001). Regarding prognostic reliability, ROC analyses of the Ishak score revealed the best validity towards an early liver transplantation within 12 months (AUC 0.813, p = 0.011). In addition, an increased Ishak score ≥4 reduced the survival time with the native liver (hazard ratio 6.6 [95% CI 1.9-23.3]). CONCLUSIONS The Ishak score was revealed to have the best interobserver variability as well as prognostic validity towards an early liver transplantation in BA patients. Due to its easy applicability, the Ishak score was proven superior in comparison to the Chevallier score and ABAA. Therefore, use of the Ishak score is recommended in daily clinical routine for analyzing liver biopsies in BA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Andruszkow
- Institut für Pathologie, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland.
| | - B Hartleben
- Institut für Pathologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - J Schlué
- Institut für Pathologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - T Ritz
- Institut für Pathologie, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - R Knüchel
- Institut für Pathologie, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - A Hasan
- Zentrum für Kinderchirurgie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - C Petersen
- Zentrum für Kinderchirurgie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - O Madadi-Sanjani
- Zentrum für Kinderchirurgie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
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Prospective Study of the Impact of Liver Biopsy Core Size on Specimen Adequacy and Procedural Complications. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2018; 210:183-188. [DOI: 10.2214/ajr.17.17792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Ekiz F, Yuksel İ, Arikök AT, Yilmaz B, Altinbas A, Aktas B, Deveci M, Basar O, Coban S, Yuksel O. Will a second biopsy sample affect treatment decisions in patients with chronic hepatitis B? Hepatol Int 2016; 10:602-5. [PMID: 26416085 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-015-9666-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Liver biopsy is the gold standard for assessment of fibrosis in patients with hepatitis B. However, it has some disadvantages, including inter-observer and intra-observer variability in biopsy interpretation and specimen variation. A standard biopsy specimen represents only about 0.0002 % of the whole liver. It has been shown that two biopsy samples collected during a procedure have significant influence on the diagnostic performance of interpretation in patients with hepatitis C or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Therefore, we aimed to assess the influence of collecting two liver biopsy samples during a single procedure for staging and grading chronic hepatitis B. PATIENTS AND METHODS 27 patients were included in the study. The median age of the patients was 43.51 ± 11.69. Fifteen patients were female, 12 patients were male. In the biopsy procedure, two samples of liver lobes were obtained. Grade and stage scores were compared between the two samples. Fibrosis staging and grading were assessed according to the Ishak scoring system. RESULTS Numbers of portal tract and biopsy size were equal in the two samples. There was a significant difference between the samples in terms of histological activity index (p value = 0.04). However, the difference was not enough to distinguish the mild and moderate stages. On the other hand, no significant difference in fibrosis staging between the two samples was found. CONCLUSIONS With this relatively small size of patients, in this study, we showed that a proper liver biopsy size is sufficient to predict treatment decisions in chronic hepatitis B patients. However, further studies are needed to show the association of sampling variability in patients with hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuat Ekiz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hatay Antakya State Hospital, Saraykent mh. 20.sk, Antakya, Hatay, Turkey.
| | - İlhami Yuksel
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ata Turker Arikök
- Department of Pathology, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Educational and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Baris Yilmaz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osmaniye State Hospital, Osmaniye, Turkey
| | - Akif Altinbas
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara Numune Educational and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bora Aktas
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara Kecioren Educational and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Murat Deveci
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yozgat State Hospital, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Omer Basar
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sahin Coban
- Department of Gastroenterology, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Educational and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Osman Yuksel
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Will a second biopsy sample affect treatment decisions in patients with chronic hepatitis B? Hepatol Int 2015. [PMID: 26416085 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-015-9666-5.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Liver biopsy is the gold standard for assessment of fibrosis in patients with hepatitis B. However, it has some disadvantages, including inter-observer and intra-observer variability in biopsy interpretation and specimen variation. A standard biopsy specimen represents only about 0.0002 % of the whole liver. It has been shown that two biopsy samples collected during a procedure have significant influence on the diagnostic performance of interpretation in patients with hepatitis C or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Therefore, we aimed to assess the influence of collecting two liver biopsy samples during a single procedure for staging and grading chronic hepatitis B. PATIENTS AND METHODS 27 patients were included in the study. The median age of the patients was 43.51 ± 11.69. Fifteen patients were female, 12 patients were male. In the biopsy procedure, two samples of liver lobes were obtained. Grade and stage scores were compared between the two samples. Fibrosis staging and grading were assessed according to the Ishak scoring system. RESULTS Numbers of portal tract and biopsy size were equal in the two samples. There was a significant difference between the samples in terms of histological activity index (p value = 0.04). However, the difference was not enough to distinguish the mild and moderate stages. On the other hand, no significant difference in fibrosis staging between the two samples was found. CONCLUSIONS With this relatively small size of patients, in this study, we showed that a proper liver biopsy size is sufficient to predict treatment decisions in chronic hepatitis B patients. However, further studies are needed to show the association of sampling variability in patients with hepatitis B.
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10
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McElroy M, Peterson M. Number of portal tract macrophages correlates with the modified hepatic activity index in chronic hepatitis C infection. Ann Diagn Pathol 2011; 15:103-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2010.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2010] [Accepted: 11/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Initial experience with EUS-guided Tru-cut biopsy of benign liver disease. Gastrointest Endosc 2009; 69:535-42. [PMID: 19231495 DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2008.09.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2008] [Accepted: 09/24/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histologic biopsy of the liver is often essential for diagnosing hepatic parenchymal disease. Tissue acquisition is traditionally obtained by a surgical, transvascular, or percutaneous route. OBJECTIVE To describe our initial experience with EUS-guided Tru-cut biopsy (EUS-TCB) of benign liver disease. DESIGN A prospective case series. SETTING A tertiary-referral hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. PATIENTS Consecutive subjects undergoing EUS with suspected hepatic parenchymal disease. INTERVENTIONS EUS-TCB of the liver. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Liver biopsy specimen yield, diagnosis, and procedural complications. Specimens were routinely stained with hematoxylin and eosin and with special stains for reticulin, iron, and trichome. Each case was reviewed by a single experienced pathologist for the number of portal spaces, total specimen length, and final diagnosis. An adequate specimen was defined as 6 or more complete portal tracts. RESULTS Between February 2007 and March 2008, 21 consecutive patients (mean age 45 years; 13 women) were evaluated. The most common indications for liver biopsy were suspected nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (n = 9), intrahepatic cholestasis (n = 4), and suspected cirrhosis (n = 3). Transgastric biopsy (median 3 passes, range 1-4) into the left lobe (n = 18) or both the left and caudate lobe (n = 3) yielded a median total specimen length of 9 mm (range 1-23 mm). The median total number of portal tracts in the specimen was 2 complete (range 0-10) plus 3 partial (range 0-8) tracts. Six or more complete portal tracts were present in 6 of 21 (29%). A histologic diagnosis was obtained in 19 of 21 (90%). There were no complications. LIMITATIONS The small sample size and low-risk population. CONCLUSIONS In our initial experience, transgastric EUS-TCB of suspected benign liver disease by using a 19-gauge needle appears safe and feasible. Samples obtained are usually smaller than those traditionally considered adequate for histologic assessment. Further refinement of this technique appears indicated.
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Can we predict the degree of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients using routine blood tests in our daily practice? J Clin Gastroenterol 2008; 42:827-34. [PMID: 18285716 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0b013e318046ea9a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
GOALS To determine the validity of fibrosis indexes based on simple laboratory tests in daily practice. BACKGROUND Fibrosis indexes were developed in referral centers using high-quality data. METHODS We compared the performance characteristics of several such indexes with liver biopsies in a cohort of 490 diverse veterans with chronic hepatitis C from 24 centers. All laboratory tests including interpretation of the liver biopsy were done locally. The following indexes were calculated and correlated with a 5-point fibrosis stage (F0-F4) on liver biopsies: platelet counts (<100 or <150x10(9)/L), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (AAR), Pohl score, AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and "Lok's model." RESULTS Our cohort was predominantly male with 24% blacks, and fibrosis stages of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 in 11%, 24%, 28%, 24%, and 13%, respectively. All indexes performed better in predicting advanced (F3-4) than significant (F2-4) fibrosis. When patients with F3-4 were compared to those with F0-2, the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve were 0.534 and 0.641 for platelet count <100 and <150x10(9)/L, respectively, 0.524 for AAR, 0.534 for Pohl score, 0.693 for Lok's model, and 0.765 for APRI. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of APRI and Lok's model were only slightly lower than those reported by the authors using the recommended cutoffs in clinical trial settings. Alcohol use within 12 months, normalization of AST, ALT, and race (blacks/non-blacks) had minimal impact on the performance. CONCLUSIONS AAR, Pohl, and platelet counts <100x10(9)/L have limited ability to predict significant/advanced fibrosis with area under the receiver operating characteristics curve similar to 0.5. However, platelet counts <150x10(9)/L, Lok's model and APRI performed well for advanced fibrosis in our daily practice setting.
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13
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Park BJ, Kim YJ, Kim DH, Kim W, Jung YJ, Yoon JH, Kim CY, Cho YM, Kim SH, Lee KB, Jang JJ, Lee HS. Visceral adipose tissue area is an independent risk factor for hepatic steatosis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2008; 23:900-7. [PMID: 17995942 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2007.05212.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Recent data indicate that hepatic steatosis is associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and obesity (especially central body fat distribution). There have been few studies on the correlation between biopsy-proven hepatic steatosis and the above factors in a disease-free population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relation between hepatic steatosis assessed by biopsy and clinical characteristics including regional fat distribution measured by computed tomography (CT) in living liver donors. METHODS Laboratory data, liver/spleen Hounsfield ratio (L/S ratio), regional fat distribution by CT and liver status by biopsy were evaluated retrospectively in a total of 177 living liver donors without a history of alcohol intake. RESULTS The unpaired t-test showed that age, triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, body mass index, L/S ratio, visceral adipose tissue area (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue area (SAT) were associated with hepatic steatosis. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, VAT (odds ratio 1.031, 95% CI 1.013-1.048, P < 0.01) and TG (odds ratio 1.012, 95% CI 1.004-1.020, P < 0.01) were independent risk factors of hepatic steatosis. Subgroup analysis also showed that VAT was an independent risk factor in men (odds ratio 1.022, 95% CI 1.003-1.041, P < 0.05) and women (odds ratio 1.086, 95% CI 1.010-1.168, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that visceral abdominal adiposity is correlated with hepatic steatosis in healthy living liver donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bum J Park
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Gilles FH, Tavaré CJ, Becker LE, Burger PC, Yates AJ, Pollack IF, Finlay JL. Pathologist interobserver variability of histologic features in childhood brain tumors: results from the CCG-945 study. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2008; 11:108-17. [PMID: 17990938 DOI: 10.2350/07-06-0303.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2007] [Accepted: 09/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In the Children's Cancer Group-945 trial, study design allowed estimation of overall interpathologist observational agreement for 6 histologic features frequently used in brain tumor diagnoses. We evaluated agreement between pairs of 5 experienced neuropathologists, who had knowledge of the general diagnoses prior to slide readings. We performed this study in an attempt to further improve pathologist interinstitutional agreement. The features mitosis, necrosis, and giant cells had "fair" overall kappa estimates of reproducibility of around 0.5, while endothelial proliferation had only a "poor" overall kappa of 0.35. The Rogot reproducibility index averaged 0.5 for pleomorphism and hyperchromia. The upper bounds for the 10 pair summary agreement estimates were at best 0.65 ("good") for all 6 features. These relatively low-reproducibility estimates for the very small number of histologic features being assessed in tumors institutionally diagnosed as high-grade gliomas indicate that neuropathologists either used different operational definitions or interpreted them differently. We found that we could rank the histologic features from best to worst agreement among study pathologists as necrosis, giant cells, mitosis, endothelial proliferation, hyperchromic nuclei, and pleomorphic cells. We suggest that neuropathologists involved in multi-institutional studies of putative therapies not discard these traditional histologic features, but rather develop standardized operational definitions and measure their variability before beginning the studies. Only after such histologic feature variability studies are conducted will we have the data to identify specific histologic features of value to clinicians and researchers. Agreement and strict adherence to improved nonsubjective diagnostic criteria would improve histologic feature reliability and, consequently, their usefulness in studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floyd H Gilles
- Neuropathology, Childrens Hospital, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.
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Abstract
Percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) is the standard procedure for obtaining hepatic tissue for histopathological examination, and remains an essential tool in the diagnosis and management of parenchymal liver diseases. The use of liver biopsy (LB) is increasing with the advent of liver transplantation and the progress being made in antiviral therapeutic agents. While blind percutaneous needle biopsy is the traditional technique, the use of ultrasound (US) guidance has increased considerably. Literatures were reviewed to assess the existing clinical practice of PLB with an emphasis on the technique, the operator, types of biopsy needles, quality of LB specimens and the risk of complications. The best available evidence indicates that the use of ultrasound-guided biopsy (UGB) is superior to blind needle biopsy (BNB). The odds ratios of the controlled studies showed that BNB carried a higher risk for major complications, postbiopsy pain and biopsy failure. Therefore, percutaneous LB under US control is superior to BNB and it is recommended that UGB be considered the standard of care for this important and widely used invasive procedure in the field of clinical hepatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandar Al Knawy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Levine RA, Sanderson SO, Ploutz-Snyder R, Murray F, Kay E, Hegarty J, Nolan N, Kelleher D, McDonald G, O'Keane JC, Crowe J. Assessment of fibrosis progression in untreated irish women with chronic hepatitis C contracted from immunoglobulin anti-D. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006; 4:1271-7. [PMID: 16901770 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2006.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS In 1996 we initiated a retrospective-prospective study in 184 untreated women infected in 1977 with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). To provide insight into the natural history of HCV, we determined liver fibrosis outcomes and any predictors of such. METHODS Baseline 1994 biopsy specimens (size, >or=15 mm; portal areas, >or=5) and sequential biopsy specimens were assessed by Ishak score for grade change (increase or decrease of >or=2 points) and stage progression or regression (increase or reduction of >or=1 point), the latter correlated with digital quantification of fibrosis percentage. RESULTS No baseline biopsy specimens had cirrhosis, therefore all could potentially progress. Grade and stage scores decreased or increased significantly in 28% and 18% and 24% and 27% of patients, respectively. There was a positive correlation between baseline and sequential grade/stage scores (r = .39, P < .001), and between semiquantitative Ishak scores and fibrosis percentage (Spearman rho = .85; P < .01). Baseline alanine transaminase values (mean, 49 U/L; range, 23-363 U/L) correlated positively with changes in grade (r = .41, P < .01) and stage (r = .39, P < .01), and regression analyses indicated that baseline alanine transaminase value was a good predictor of such changes. Confounding variables (alcohol, smoking, and herbal and paracetamol [acetaminophen] use) did not correlate with histologic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In a follow-up study, 49% of patients showed no change in fibrosis, 24% showed regression, and only 27% showed progression, including 4 patients (2.1%) who developed stage 6 cirrhosis. Unidirectional sequential grade/stage concordance attested to biopsy sample reliability. Given the current age of these women in their fifth decade, some still may have a risk for more advanced liver disease, but for most of these patients it appears unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Levine
- State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, USA.
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Gómez-Domínguez E, Mendoza J, Rubio S, Moreno-Monteagudo JA, García-Buey L, Moreno-Otero R. Transient elastography: a valid alternative to biopsy in patients with chronic liver disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2006; 24:513-8. [PMID: 16886917 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.02999.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transient elastography is a novel and non-invasive technique for the evaluation of fibrosis in chronic liver disease. Few studies that exist value the efficacy of transient elastography, mainly in hepatitis C virus-infected patients. AIM To evaluate the effectiveness, objectivity, reproducibility and safety of this technique. METHODS We included 103 consecutive patients who underwent a liver biopsy in the last 48 months with a wide spectrum of chronic liver diseases. Median stiffness value (expressed as kilopascals - kPa) was kept as representative of the liver elastic modulus. All biopsy specimens were analysed by the same pathologist according to the METAVIR scoring system. RESULTS Median value of stiffness in patients with mild or moderate fibrosis (FI and FII), and severe fibrosis or cirrhosis (FIII and FIV) was of 7, 4 +/- 5 and 16, 4 +/- 10 kPa, respectively, with a significant difference between them (P < 0.05). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves showed the optimal liver stiffness cut-off values for each group. CONCLUSIONS We found a positive correlation between the liver stiffness found by transient elastography and fibrosis stage on biopsy in all patients, independently of the liver disease aetiology. Transient elastography is an easy, quick to perform and safe non-invasive procedure, reliable for assessing liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Gómez-Domínguez
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Service, Hospital Universitário de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Cholongitas E, Senzolo M, Standish R, Marelli L, Quaglia A, Patch D, Dhillon AP, Burroughs AK. A systematic review of the quality of liver biopsy specimens. Am J Clin Pathol 2006. [PMID: 16707372 DOI: 10.1309/w3xcnt4hkfbn2g0b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Characteristics for an optimal liver biopsy specimen were recently defined as 20 to 25 mm long and/or containing more than 11 complete portal tracts (CPTs). A systematic review of percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) and transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) series yielded only 32 PLB studies in which these characteristics were evaluated: mean +/- SD length, 17.7 +/- 5.8 mm and number of CPTs, 7.5 +/- 3.4; and 15 TJLB studies: mean +/- SD length, 13.5 +/- 4.5 mm and number of CPTs, 6.8 +/- 2.3. Studies of sampling heterogeneity and intraobserver and interobserver variability also used inadequate specimens by present standards. Only 11 (5.3%) of 207 therapeutic studies for chronic hepatitis B and C documented length and/or number of CPTs. Of the current 12 studies evaluating noninvasive fibrosis tests, only 8 documented length or number of CPTs, and only 1 documented length and number of CPTs. New studies are needed based on adequate liver biopsy samples to provide reliable estimation of grading and staging in chronic liver disease.
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Skripenova S, Trainer TD, Krawitt EL, Blaszyk H. Variability of grade and stage in simultaneous paired liver biopsies in patients with hepatitis C. J Clin Pathol 2006; 60:321-4. [PMID: 16698951 PMCID: PMC1860575 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2005.036020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Grading and staging of liver biopsies in patients with chronic hepatitis remains an inexact "gold standard" that is influenced by variabilities in scoring systems, sampling, observer agreement and expertise. Spatial disease variability relative to markers of the adequacy of biopsy has not been studied previously. METHODS Paired liver biopsy specimens were obtained from the right and left hepatic lobes of 60 patients with chronic hepatitis C. Histological grade and disease stage were assessed according to the Ludwig scoring system, and scores were evaluated in relation to differences in size and number of portal tracts in all paired samples. RESULTS The relative difference (%) in aggregate biopsy size and number of portal tracts was similar between paired samples with and without a difference in grade. Paired samples with a difference in stage showed a larger relative difference in biopsy size (p = 0.09) and in the number of portal tracts (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS Our study shows a difference of one grade or one stage in 30% of paired liver biopsies, due to a combination of sampling variability and observer variability. Acknowledgment of "built-in" variability in grading and staging chronic hepatitis C by both clinicians and pathologists is essential for managing the individual patient with chronic hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Skripenova
- Department of Pathology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, USA
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Woynarowski M, Cielecka-Kuszyk J, Kałuzyński A, Omulecka A, Sobaniec-Łotowska M, Stolarczyk J, Szczepański W. Inter-observer variability in histopathological assessment of liver biopsies taken in a pediatric open label therapeutic program for chronic HBV infection treatment. World J Gastroenterol 2006; 12:1713-7. [PMID: 16586539 PMCID: PMC4124345 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i11.1713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To our knowledge, the inter-observer variability of the liver biopsy findings in HBV-infected children have not been studied as yet. Hence, we aimed to compare different pathologist’s assessment of grading and staging in liver biopsies obtained from children prior to interferon treatment.
METHODS: We collected 920 biopsies from 11 medical centers. The biopsies were independently reviewed by 6 pathologists from academic centers who assessed Batts-Ludwig score for grading and staging. Satisfactory agreement among observers was defined as at least 60% of observers having the same opinion. Satisfactory dispersion between maximal and minimal score for the same biopsy specimen was defined as a maximum 1 point.
RESULTS: Satisfactory inter-observer agreement for grading was obtained in 51.6% and for staging in 75.7% of biopsies. Satisfactory dispersion for grading scores was observed in 44.5% and for staging in 72.7% of cases.
CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that: (1) pathologists differ in their assessment of grading and staging of liver biopsies; (2) inter-observer variability for staging is lower than that for grading; and (3) regardless of the inter-observer variability of assessments, the majority of children with chronic HBV infection have mild to moderate inflammation and mild to moderate fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Woynarowski
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Immunology, Children's Health Memorial Institute, Al. Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland.
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Okçu-Heper A, Erden E, Doganci T, Kuloglu Z, Kansu A, Genc Y. Nonobstructive neonatal cholestasis: clinical outcome and scoring of the histopathological changes in liver biopsies. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2006; 9:44-51. [PMID: 16808634 DOI: 10.2350/06-05-0073.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2005] [Accepted: 08/26/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The clinical outcome of nonobstructive neonatal cholestasis (NC) cases varies greatly and the prognosis is generally unpredictable. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic benefits of qualitative analysis of histopathological changes in nonobstructive NC cases. A total of 28 nonobstructive NC cases (18 neonatal hepatitis; 10 intrahepatic bile duct paucity) were studied. We analyzed the relationship between histopathological and clinical parameters. Hepatic inflammation, bridging necrosis, pericellular fibrosis, giant cell transformation, and extramedullary hematopoiesis were evaluated and scored according to their absence or presence in each case. The sum of the histopathological scores was accepted as "total pathological injury score." The height percentiles, the presence and the degree of hepatomegaly and ascites, and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, and bilirubin levels and prothrombin time were also evaluated and scored. The patients were divided into 2 clinical course groups considered "good" or "bad" according to the total clinical scores. For statistical analysis, Pearson's chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and receiver operating characteristic curve were used. We found a statistically significant negative relation between the clinical course and total pathological injury score (P = 0.042) and pericellular fibrosis (P = 0.016). In conclusion, during the interpretation of liver biopsies of nonobstructive NC, scoring of histopathological changes should be done for assessing the clinical prognostic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aylin Okçu-Heper
- Department of Pathology, Ankara University, School of Medicine, Patoloji Anabilim Dali, Morfoloji Binasi, 06100, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey.
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Rousselet MC, Michalak S, Dupré F, Croué A, Bedossa P, Saint-André JP, Calès P. Sources of variability in histological scoring of chronic viral hepatitis. Hepatology 2005; 41:257-64. [PMID: 15660389 DOI: 10.1002/hep.20535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 426] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Inter-observer agreement on activity and fibrosis scores used in chronic viral hepatitis has only been studied under selected conditions. The aim of this study was to identify the sources of variability due to specimen characteristics and observers. This study included 254 liver specimens and 15 pathologists and used the Metavir score. In 44 specimens scored by 4 academic pathologists, agreement of Metavir score was good overall, but better for fibrosis (kappa = 0.59) than for activity (kappa = 0.43) and poor for lobular necrosis (kappa = 0.15). The mean agreement was better for senior (0.60 +/- 0.24) than junior pathologists (0.52 +/- 0.30, P < .05). Mean intrabserver agreement was better than inter-observer agreement (0.77 +/- 0.18 vs. 0.58 +/- 0.26, P < .01). In 157 specimens scored by 2 expert pathologists (one senior, one junior), agreement of Metavir score was only good but greatly improved after consensus reading (fibrosis: kappa = 0.48 and 0.77, activity: kappa = 0.44 and 0.70, respectively, before and after consensus). Several causes of disagreement were identified: specimen length, fibrosis class number, observer bias, and putative causes related to Metavir score or specimen. In an intercenter evaluation involving 59 specimens, 1 expert and 10 nonacademic pathologists, agreement was very poor and did not improve over 5 years for activity (kappa = 0.22-0.25) or fibrosis (kappa = 0.13-0.18). In conclusion, the level of experience (specialization, duration, and location of practice) has more influence on agreement than the characteristics of the specimen (length, fibrosis class number, miscellaneous factors). Agreement can be improved by experienced pathologist or consensus reading.
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Lefkowitch JH. Hepatobiliary pathology. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2004; 20:188-97. [PMID: 15703643 DOI: 10.1097/00001574-200405000-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Liver biopsy continues to be an essential component in the evaluation of many widely prevalent liver diseases, including chronic hepatitis C, fatty liver, and liver tumors. This annual review of publications in hepatobiliary pathology highlights recent pathologic studies that can be applied to the daily practice of interpreting liver biopsy, explant, and postmortem specimens. RECENT FINDINGS The problem of the fatty liver was the subject of many studies. In chronic hepatitis C, genotype 3 infection results in moderate to marked fat that is ameliorated with successful antiviral therapy. In nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, in which the metabolic syndrome is often operative, gene microarray analysis showed altered expression of genes involved in insulin sensitivity and maintenance of mitochondrial function. Pathologic changes affecting centrilobular regions were described in the context of heart disease, Budd-Chiari syndrome, and the sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (venoocclusive disease). A mutation in ferroportin 1 produced a form of hemochromatosis with excessive iron in hepatocytes and also in Kupffer cells and macrophages. Immunostains for Hep Par 1 and polyclonal carcinoembryonic antigen remain important cornerstones in the immunohistochemical diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and its distinction from metastatic adenocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. SUMMARY This report reviews recent articles addressing hepatobiliary pathology. In the areas of viral and drug hepatitis, fatty liver, hemochromatosis, Wilson disease, several biliary tract disorders, and pathology of liver tumors, the emerging data have important diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay H Lefkowitch
- Department of Pathology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA.
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