Bioptical liver changes in florid hyperthyreosis

In 42 non-selected patients with a clinically, biochemically and radio-iodine proved hyperthyreosis, previously untreated, a Menghini liver needle biopsy was carried out for evaluation of histomorphologic changes of the liver. As a result, "reactive hepatitis" was found in 8 patients. Moreover, in about 40% of the cases vacuolated nuclei of hepatocytes were observed in such a great number, as has been found so far only in diabetes mellitus. The microscopic findings, however, are in general unspecific and without particular pathologic value, showing no positive correlation to the biochemical findings.