A practical approach to the liver biopsy.

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.