Chronic hepatitis B virus carriers in the immunotolerant phase of infection: histologic findings and outcome.

Background & Aims: The indication for histologic evaluation of the liver is controversial for patients in the immunotolerant phase of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Methods: Results of liver biopsy examination and follow-up evaluation were assessed retrospectively in 40 patients who satisfied the following criteria: presence of hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B e antigen, HBV DNA level greater than 10(7) cp/mL, normal alanine aminotransferase level, absence of co-infection with other viruses, and absence of antiviral or immunosuppressive treatment.

Results: On liver biopsy examination, according to the Metavir scoring system, fibrosis was absent in 20 patients, and mild (F1) in 20 patients.

Partial splenic embolization in patients with cirrhosis: efficacy, tolerance and long-term outcome in 32 patients.

Background: Although partial splenic embolization (PSE) has been proposed in patients with cirrhosis in cases when thrombocytopenia or neutropenia may cause clinical manifestations or if there are contra-indications to other therapeutic procedures, there are limited data on long-term outcome. We provide a retrospective review of results and the tolerance of all PSE procedures in patients with cirrhosis in our department.

Patients And Methods: Thirty-two consecutive patients with cirrhosis were included over a 6 year period.

Intrasinusoidal cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver.

Diffuse nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) of the liver is an acquired architectural disturbance that can lead to portal hypertension. Although frequently associated with autoimmune or hematologic malignancies, its exact pathogenesis remains largely unknown. We observed CD8+ cytotoxic T cells in the liver sinusoids of 14 of 44 NRH patients and explored possible relationships between these lymphocytes and vascular damage.