pathology
Last reviewed 01/2018
The cirrhosis is micronodular which may progress to a macronodular pattern. Fatty change may be conspicuous in the early stages. Features of alcoholic hepatitis - such as hepatic necrosis and Mallory bodies - may be present or absent.
The fibrosis is due to transformation of the Ito cells to fibroblasts, either by alcohol, it's metabolites or the products of cell injury.
The hepatocytes may show slight increased cytoplasmic haemosiderin due to enhanced iron absorption in the alcoholic.