RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To study the histological features of chronic active hepatitis C (CAH-C) and to compare these with those of chronic active hepatitis B (CAH-B). METHODS: Thirty-two liver biopsy specimens from patients with chronic active hepatitis and presence of antibodies to hepatitis C on second generation enzyme immunoassay were studied and compared with those in 34 patients with CAH-B. Seventeen of the 32 CAH-C patients had fully developed or developing cirrhosis of liver whereas the remainder had only chronic active hepatitis. RESULTS: Among 32 patients with CAH-C, fatty change (20), Kupffer cell hyperplasia (30), sinusoidal lymphocytosis (27) lymphoid follicles aggregates in portal tracts (26) and bridging necrosis (16) were regular features. Focal necrosis, bile duct necrosis, cholestasis and ground glass cells were however seen much less often. On the other hand, in patients with CAH-B, fatty change (no patient), sinusoidal lymphocytosis (one patient) and lymphoid follicles/aggregates in portal tracts (one patient) were rare. Also, Kupffer cell hyperplasia (22 patients) was seen less commonly in patients with CAH-B as compared to CAH-C. Focal necrosis (34 patients), bile ductular proliferation (9 patients), cholestasis (17 patients) and ground glass cells (15 patients) were more prominent in CAH-B. CONCLUSION: Presence of certain histological features can help in distinguishing between CAH-C and CAH-B.