[Differential morphological diagnosis of chronic liver diseases based on the results of puncture biopsy]

The possibility of differential diagnosis of chronic liver diseases from investigations of puncture biopsy material is discussed basing on analysis of literature data. The present-day classification of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and morphologic criteria their differential diagnosis are described. Analysis of the liver punctate allows one to reveal the nature of the pathologic process, its etiology, and the degree of activity. Of primary importance is the differential diagnosis of the most frequent etiologic forms of chronic liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis), i.e. viral, alcoholic, and medicamentous affections.