Liver Bx

Posted by Leisa Lane on June 11, 1999 at 09:06:47
Hi I have a question about my sisters liver Bx. She was told by her GI that it is normal. There are some abnormalities and I just wonder what they mean. I know there is no crystal ball and you can't tell when someone is going to progress but I wonder if these abnormalities indicate that she may progress at a later time. Is it safe to wait a year for better treatments or would she miss a window of opportunity if she did not seek Tx now when liver was not damaged to the point of fibrosis. The Bx says that there is mild intaacinar spotty necrosis no evidence of cirrhosis or portal fibrous bridging and negative for siderosis. Architecture is reg. and orderly, but there are scattered about intraacinar foci of spotty necrosis or " drop out" Sm # of lymphocytes in the area of lost hepatocytes. no steatosis. specimen had few portal tracts. they had an increased # of chronic inflamitory cells. viral load was 10,400 very low.
  still waiting on genotype. It also said on Bx that on one slde there is a small lymphoid aggergate in one portal tract.Any insight would be very helpful.

Posted by Leisa on June 17, 1999 at 12:59:15
Also My sister would like to see a hepatologist, She has seen a Gastro Doc and an Infec. Disease Dr. She lives in Greenville SC and would be willing to travel to Atlanta or Charlotte To see a Doc with experience in treating hep c. Could you recommend a specialist in the area or facility with this expertise. Thank you so much.

Posted by HFHSM.D.-D.M. on June 27, 1999 at 17:17:41

Dear Leisha Lane:
I appreciate your questions.  You want to know what I make of your sister