Clinicopathologic evaluation of the liver

Clinicopathologic data are important tools in the evaluation of a patient with liver dysfunction. It is imperative, however, that the data not be looked at with a dogmatic approach. Many of the laboratory tests are sensitive indicators of hepatic dysfunction; however, they seldom, if ever, indicate a specific cause of hepatic dysfunction. History, physical, radiographic, and ultrasonographic examination findings, and laboratory data must be used together to fully evaluate a patient with biochemical abnormalities related to hepatic function. The prevalence of secondary hepatic disease and the difficulty of differentiating it from primary hepatic disease based on laboratory data must always be kept in mind.