Processing Techniques Specimen analysis should include information important for tumor staging, and mandatory cancer synoptic features should be noted in the gross description. This includes tumor size (size and location of the five largest nodules in cases with multiple tumors,…
Introduction Jaundice, which is observed in almost every newborn, is termed physiological because it clears within a few days, after hepatic activation of bilirubin conjugation. This phenomenon reflects a unique feature of prenatal life: Many functions of the liver that…
Acknowledgment We appreciate the contributions of Dr. Jacqueline Wolf to the previous editions of this chapter. Introduction Pregnancy is an altered physiological state designed to support the developing fetus, and gastrointestinal complaints are common during pregnancy. Although de novo abnormalities…
Introduction Liver transplantation is used worldwide to treat a broad spectrum of end-stage liver diseases. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease–induced cirrhosis, alcohol-induced liver disease, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are the leading indications in North America, Europe, and South America.…
Acknowledgment We are indebted to Ian R. Wanless, MD, FRCPC, for his extensive work on this chapter in prior editions of this book. Introduction Vascular diseases of the liver are less common than many other conditions, but they have assumed…
Introduction Worldwide, cirrhosis leads to more than 1.3 million deaths per year and is the 14th leading cause of death. Cirrhosis results from chronic liver injury and typically takes decades to develop and can be caused by numerous etiologies including…
Introduction Definitions Steatosis, defined as the accumulation of triacylglycerides in hepatocytes, is a frequent finding in most liver biopsies. Based on magnetic resonance measures of lipid signal in European normal-weight healthy adult volunteers, the normal liver contains approximately 3% to…
Introduction Because the liver is the major site of drug metabolism, it is also the major target of drug-induced injury. Despite rigorous preclinical and clinical toxicological studies and safety analyses in clinical trials, the frequency of drug hepatotoxicity has remained…
Introduction The three most common liver syndromes with a putative autoimmune cause are autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Overlap syndromes involve various combinations of these disorders. Other chronic cholestatic disorders discussed in this…
Introduction A wide variety of infectious agents can involve the liver. The most common are the “hepatotropic” viruses—those that preferentially involve the liver—including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Many other viruses, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus…