Abstract
Background/Aims: The significance of abnormal liver function tests in the absence of diagnostic serology
is unclear. The aim of this study was to report liver biopsy findings in a large group
of patients with unexplained abnormal liver biochemistry.
Methods: Histological findings were examined in 354 patients who underwent liver biopsy to
investigate abnormal liver function tests.
Results: Six percent of patients had a normal liver biopsy while 26% were found to have some
degree of fibrosis and 6% were cirrhotic. Thirty four and 32% of biopsies suggested
non-alcoholic steatohepatits or fatty liver respectively. Other diagnoses included cryptogenic hepatitis, drug
toxicity, primary and secondary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatits, alcohol-related
liver disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis, haemochromatosis, amyloid and glycogen
storage disease. Patient management was directly altered in 18% of patients due to
liver biopsy findings and three families were entered into screening programmes for
inheritable liver disease.
Conclusions: The finding of abnormal liver function tests in the absence of diagnostic serology
may indicate significant liver disease. Liver biopsy yields a range of liver diseases
of diverse nature and extent. Liver diseases may be uncovered for which specific treatment
is indicated.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
March 14,
2001
Received in revised form:
March 13,
2001
Received:
December 19,
2000
See Editorial, pages 290–294Identification
Copyright
© 2001 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
