Abstract
A comparison of laparoscopic findings was made between 31 cases of asymptomatic HB virus carrier (group A) and 19 cases of asymptomatic type B chronic liver diseases (group B). Male/female ratio and mean age were 5.2: 1 and 38.5 in group A, while 18: 1 and 33.1 in group B, respectively. Positive rates of eAg was 35% in group A and 79% in group B. Most common laparoscopic diagnosis was white liver (58%) in group A, whereas patchy liver (58%) in group B. Nodular liver was present in 10% of group A, but none of group B. Vascular dilatation and reddish marking were less and nodular formation was more prevalent in group A than in group B. Most common histologic diagnosis was chronic inactive hepatitis (42%) in group A, whereas chronic active hepatitis (69%) in group B. There were 7 cases (23%) of chronic active hepatitis with lobular distortion or liver cirrhosis in group A, 6 of which had a history of liver dysfunction, although only one has positive eAg. Laparoscopic findings were well correlated with histologic findings. However, an assessment with both findings is thought to be important to obtain a correct diagnosis. Measurement of serum adenosine deaminase level is partly useful in differentiation of the stage of diseases. Carrier patients in whom the progression of liver disease was observed besides positive in eAb were presented.
