Abstract
Chronic hepatitis with reddish asteroidal and mesh-work markings on the liver surface observed by the repeated peritoneoscopic examinations often progressed to liver cirrhosis within a short interval. An attempt was made to clarify the pathogenesis of the reddish markings.
The histological reconstruction study by serial sections of liver biopsy specimens of 4 cases with reddish markings revealed a wide-spread mesenchymal area resulting from liver cell necrosis around the 11th and 12th portal vein branches of Miyake's classification. This mesenchymal area around the portal vein branches corresponded to the reddish markings on the liver surface in size. Necrosis observed around hepatic vein branches was in lesser degree in extension in comparison with the periportal area.
In a case with reddish markings on the liver surface, and a wide necrotic area around portal and hepatic vein branches where portal-portal and portal-hepatic bridgings were proved at the first reconstruction study, nodules on the liver surface and pseudolobulation in the reconstruction model were observed 6 months later.
These findings present a pattern of progression of chronic hepatitis to cirrhosis of the liver.
