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.