Pathology of the liver

Traditional anatomic pathology studies and molecular investigations both co ntributed to the breadth of current information in the field of liver patho logy this year. Techniques such as reverse transcription polymerase chain r eaction can identify recurrence of hepatitis C virus infection in the liver as early as 5 days after transplantation. Chronic rejection after transpla ntation may be characterized not only by ductopenia but also by loss of por tal tract hepatic artery branches. There are many diseases of small bile du cts in adults, and idiopathic adulthood ductopenia has been identified in e xtended family members. Adverse reactions to drugs may precipitate their re moval from the pharmacopoeia, such as the many Gases reported of severe bri dging and submassive necrosis due to troglitazone (a thiazolidinedione anti diabetic agent), Several publications highlighted the association of hepati tis C virus infection with lymphoproliferative diseases and, newly, with ch olangiocarcinoma. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2001, 17:197-104 (C) 2001 Lippinc ott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.