title: A practical approach to the liver biopsy.
abstract: A stepwise practical approach to the histological interpretation of liver biopsy specimens is presented. To avoid bias, liver biopsies are analysed blind initially to arrive at a morphologic diagnosis. The possible differential diagnoses are then considered in order of likelihood. The final diagnosis is made only after clinicopathologic correlation; the importance and necessity of discussion with the referring clinician cannot be overemphasized. Common morphologic categories are given as guide-lines. Helpful histopathologic features for the various differential diagnoses including diagnostic problems and pitfalls are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, National University of Singapore.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wee
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology*