Does a linear pattern of sinusoidal IgA deposition distinguish between alcoholic and diabetic liver disease?

IgA deposition in hepatic sinusoids was demonstrated in liver biopsies from 26 patients with alcohol- or diabetes-related fatty liver and fatty liver hepatitis, and from 13 patients with normal liver or chronic active hepatitis. The pattern and extent of IgA deposition were similar in alcoholic and diabetic patients, a linear, continuous pattern being the most common. Staining for IgA cannot therefore be used to evaluate aetiology of fatty liver hepatitis in these two groups of patients.