Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

10:25
"Liver-on-a-Chip" Cultures of Primary Hepatocytes and Kupffer Cells for Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Published on: February 19, 2019
Chronic viral hepatitis: the histology report
Maria Guido1, Alessandra Mangia, Gavino Faa
1Department of Medical Sciences and Special Therapies, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. mguido@unipd.it
Summary
Liver biopsy is crucial for assessing chronic viral hepatitis severity and prognosis, guiding treatment. This guide offers a systematic approach to interpreting biopsies, aiding pathologists in daily practice.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Pathology
Background:
- The diagnostic utility of liver biopsy in chronic viral hepatitis has decreased, while its prognostic importance has grown.
- Liver biopsy is now primarily used to evaluate disease severity (necro-inflammation grade and fibrosis stage) for prognosis and treatment decisions.
Framework:
- Multiple scoring systems exist for grading and staging chronic viral hepatitis, but no universal consensus guides daily practice.
- All scoring systems have limitations, including sampling and observer variability.
- Histological scoring offers a simplified view of the complex biological processes in chronic viral hepatitis.
Implementation:
- Scoring systems should not replace comprehensive, descriptive pathology reports.
- Other histological lesions beyond those scored for grading and staging may hold clinical significance and require assessment.
- This paper presents a systematic approach to interpreting liver biopsies in chronic viral hepatitis.
Implications:
- A standardized approach can enhance the consistency and utility of liver biopsy interpretation.
- Accurate assessment of fibrosis and necro-inflammation is vital for patient management.
- Improved interpretation aids general pathologists in diagnosing and managing chronic viral hepatitis.
Related Concept Videos
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
Liver Histology
The microscopic anatomy of the liver is a complex and intricate system that comprises numerous structural units known as liver lobules, each of which is comparable in size to a sesame seed. These hexagonal structures consist of plates of liver cells or hepatocytes, which are characterized by their versatility and abundance of cellular apparatus like rough and smooth ER, Golgi apparatus, peroxisomes, and mitochondria.
Hepatocytes perform a variety of essential functions. They secrete...
Hepatocytes perform a variety of essential functions. They secrete...
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
