pathological classification
Last reviewed 11/2023
Three main patterns are recognised:
- micronodular - characterised by:
- small, uniformly sized, regenerative nodules less than 3 mm in diameter, separated by thick fibrous bands
- most commonly seen in alcoholism, Wilson's disease, alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency
- macronodular - characterised by:
- nodules of variable size, mostly exceeding 3 mm in diameter
- normal lobules may occur in the large nodules
- most commonly seen in viral or autoimmune forms of chronic active hepatitis; may occur in alcoholics, especially in those who have stopped drinking
- mixed:
- regeneration in a micronodular pattern resulting in a macronodular or mixed pattern