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The normal adult human liver biopsy: a quantitative reference standard
A R Crawford1, X Z Lin, J M Crawford
1Program in Gastrointestinal Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine and Yale Liver Center New Haven, CT 06520-8023, USA.
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
|August 8, 1998
Summary
Normal liver histology reveals that portal dyads are common, with an average of two bile ducts, two hepatic arteries, and one portal vein per portal tract. These findings establish a reference for assessing liver biopsies.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Histopathology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Assessing adult human liver histology requires understanding normal portal tract and bile duct counts.
- Variability in portal tract composition can complicate histopathological interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a quantitative reference for the normal number and composition of portal tracts and bile ducts in adult human liver biopsies.
- To provide a standard for histopathological assessment, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions with bile duct loss.
Main Methods:
- Review of liver biopsies from 16 normal adult patients obtained via percutaneous Menghini cutting needle (14G).
- Analysis of portal tract and bile duct profiles, including counts, composition (triads vs. dyads), and diameters.
- Calculation of portal triads per linear cm and per mm² of tissue.
Main Results:
- Portal dyads were nearly as common as portal triads in normal liver tissue.
- On average, 2.3 interlobular bile ducts, 2.6 hepatic arteries, and 0.7 portal veins were found per portal tract.
- The study determined an average of 0.8 portal triads per mm² in biopsies obtained with a 14G needle.
Conclusions:
- Multiplicity of profiles within portal tracts is normal, and portal dyads are frequent.
- Established reference values for portal tract components can aid in diagnosing liver diseases characterized by bile duct loss.
- Findings provide a benchmark for normal adult human liver histology.
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