Problems in the necropsy diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease

Problem areas in the necropsy diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease are reviewed, potential sources of confusion delineated, and diagnostic guidelines proposed. The entire spectrum of alcoholic liver disease, including alcoholic hepatitis, may be perfectly mimicked by severe obesity, diabetes, and perhexiline maleate toxicity. Focal fatty change in the liver introduces sampling errors in the assessment of steatosis. Nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver mimics a micronodular cirrhosis both clinically and macroscopically. Measurement of the liver iron concentration reliably differentiates between alcoholic liver disease with siderosis and idiopathic hemochromatosis. The evaluation of preexisting fibrosis or cirrhosis in cases of massive hepatic necrosis is aided by stains for elastic fibers. Alcohol abusers taking acetaminophen (paracetamol) in excessive, but not suicidal doses are at risk of developing fatal "late" acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. Fatal viral hepatitis may be overlooked in an alcoholic with preexisting liver disease.