Pathological classification

Three main patterns are recognised:

• micronodular - characterised by:
  • small, uniformly sized, regenerative nodules less than 3 mm in diameter, separated by thick fibrous bands
  • most commonly seen in alcoholism, Wilson's disease, alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency
    
    
• macronodular - characterised by:
  • nodules of variable size, mostly exceeding 3 mm in diameter
  • normal lobules may occur in the large nodules
  • most commonly seen in viral or autoimmune forms of chronic active hepatitis; may occur in alcoholics, especially in those who have stopped drinking
    
    
• mixed:
  • regeneration in a micronodular pattern resulting in a macronodular or mixed pattern