Autopsy cases of primary biliary cirrhosis in Japan-A statistical study based on the Annuals of the Pathological Autopsy Cases in Japan, from 1984-1987

Abstract

A total of 166 cases of PBC recorded in the Annuals of the Pathological Autopsy Cases in Japan, from 1984 to 1987, were studied statistically. Its incidence among the total autopsy cases was 0.10%. The mean age with S.D. (range) at autopsy was 57.6±11.1 years (34-85). There was an overall female preponderance of 7.3:1. The majority of cases showed cirrhotic stage with portal hypertension and jaundice. The liver weight ranged from 470g to 2, 400g. The occurrence of HCC was recarded in 7 cases (4.22%). Autoimmune diseases were rarely complicated. Some autopsy cases diagnosed clinically as PBC received a pathalogical diagnosis other than PBC. It is necessary to determine the pathological criteria of PBC in the cirrhotic stage.