Ground-glass, polyglucosan-like hepatocellular inclusions: A "new" diagnostic entity.
OBJECTIVE
Ground-glass (GG) inclusions within hepatocytes are an important histopathologic marker of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection but may also be seen in Lafora's disease (myoclonus epilepsy), cyanamide alcohol aversion therapy, and type IV glycogenosis. We have noted a recent increased incidence of liver biopsy and postmortem specimens with GG inclusions associated with none of these etiologic factors. This study was undertaken to further delineate the clinical and liver pathologic features in such cases and their possible pathogenesis.


METHODS
Ten cases with GG inclusions (8 biopsy, 2 postmortem) were examined by light and electron microscopy, and the patients' clinical records were reviewed.


RESULTS
Light microscopy demonstrated pale pink, oval to crescentic intracytoplasmic inclusions with a predilection for periportal hepatocytes but sometimes present throughout the lobules. The inclusions were intensely positive on periodic acid-Schiff stain and digested with diastase. Transmission electron microscopy of two cases showed non-membrane-bound cytoplasmic collections of granules with mild-to-moderate electron density, consistent with abnormal glycogen granules. The patients included 7 transplant recipients (liver, hematopoietic stem cell), 3 with type 2 diabetes and a child on chronic parenteral nutrition for short bowel syndrome. Medications included immunosuppressive agents, antibiotics, and insulin.


CONCLUSIONS
GG hepatocellular inclusions may be seen in individuals without HBV infection or other recognized etiologies, appear to be composed of abnormal glycogen and closely resemble polyglucosan bodies described in humans, animals, and experimental models. The possible pathogenetic roles of disturbed glycogen metabolism and polypharmacotherapy are stressed.
Lefkowitch
Jay H
JH
Department of Pathology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA. jhl3@columbia.edu
Lobritto
Steven J
SJ
Brown
Robert S
RS
Emond
Jean C
JC
Schilsky
Michael L
ML
Rosenthal
Lori A
LA
George
Diane M
DM
Cairo
Mitchell S
MS
D000293:Adolescent; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D002479:Inclusion Bodies / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D007223:Infant; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies