Location
Moultrie, GA
Start Date
9-5-2023 1:00 PM
End Date
9-5-2023 4:00 PM
Description
INTRODUCTION: Liver histopathology patterns are an essential component of the diagnostic process for liver disease. If left untreated, liver disease can lead to liver cancer and liver failure. The American Liver Foundation stated that liver disease and cirrhosis was the twelve leading cause of death in the United States in 2020. As such, this is a significant field of study for further research as this is a primary public health concern.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the histopathological patterns of liver damage and their associations with different liver diseases from elderly cadavers in the South East United States regions.
METHODS: Liver specimens from 38 cadavers with diverse causes of death were studied from two campuses at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). Tissue samples were embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for routine histology study and Mason’s Trichrome stain for collagen at the Colquitt Regional Medical Center. These liver histological samples were evaluated under a microscope to assess histopathological findings.
RESULTS: A total of 38 cadaveric liver specimens were studied. The age range was 59-91 years. There were 23 males and 15 females with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1. A detailed histopathological evaluation of liver specimens was performed by medical students. A pathologist confirmed the findings. Tissue preservation was poor in 4 cases (11%). The most common histopathological patterns were fibrosis (87%), and fatty infiltration (45%). Cellular infiltrates (34%) and ductal reactions (8%) were also observed. Neoplastic changes in the form of secondary metastatic deposits were seen in 11% of cases. No primary liver tumor was observed. Fibrosis was staged from 0 to 6 as per Ishak et al. The most common stage of liver fibrosis was stage 5 in 26% of cases. Cirrhosis (stage 6 fibrosis) was observed in 11% of cases. Lipofuscin accumulation was common and seen in 79% of cases.
CONCLUSION: Liver tissue is usually well preserved in cadavers and can be used to study histopathology. Though not always clinically documented or indicated as the primary cause of death, marked liver fibrosis appears to be quite prevalent in the elderly. Thus, liver pathology in the form of fibrosis and steatosis may exacerbate the health of the elderly. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the histopathological changes associated with various liver diseases, which can help clinicians make accurate diagnoses and develop effective treatment strategies.
Embargo Period
7-11-2024
Included in
Study of Liver Based on Histopathological Patterns of Liver Damage
Moultrie, GA
INTRODUCTION: Liver histopathology patterns are an essential component of the diagnostic process for liver disease. If left untreated, liver disease can lead to liver cancer and liver failure. The American Liver Foundation stated that liver disease and cirrhosis was the twelve leading cause of death in the United States in 2020. As such, this is a significant field of study for further research as this is a primary public health concern.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the histopathological patterns of liver damage and their associations with different liver diseases from elderly cadavers in the South East United States regions.
METHODS: Liver specimens from 38 cadavers with diverse causes of death were studied from two campuses at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). Tissue samples were embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for routine histology study and Mason’s Trichrome stain for collagen at the Colquitt Regional Medical Center. These liver histological samples were evaluated under a microscope to assess histopathological findings.
RESULTS: A total of 38 cadaveric liver specimens were studied. The age range was 59-91 years. There were 23 males and 15 females with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1. A detailed histopathological evaluation of liver specimens was performed by medical students. A pathologist confirmed the findings. Tissue preservation was poor in 4 cases (11%). The most common histopathological patterns were fibrosis (87%), and fatty infiltration (45%). Cellular infiltrates (34%) and ductal reactions (8%) were also observed. Neoplastic changes in the form of secondary metastatic deposits were seen in 11% of cases. No primary liver tumor was observed. Fibrosis was staged from 0 to 6 as per Ishak et al. The most common stage of liver fibrosis was stage 5 in 26% of cases. Cirrhosis (stage 6 fibrosis) was observed in 11% of cases. Lipofuscin accumulation was common and seen in 79% of cases.
CONCLUSION: Liver tissue is usually well preserved in cadavers and can be used to study histopathology. Though not always clinically documented or indicated as the primary cause of death, marked liver fibrosis appears to be quite prevalent in the elderly. Thus, liver pathology in the form of fibrosis and steatosis may exacerbate the health of the elderly. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the histopathological changes associated with various liver diseases, which can help clinicians make accurate diagnoses and develop effective treatment strategies.