Liver biopsy pathology in human immunodeficiency virus infection.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the hepatic changes in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Dublin and to assess the usefulness of liver biopsy in this condition.

DESIGN

A consecutive series of liver biopsies was examined retrospectively and correlated with clinical findings.

METHODS

A histological review was conducted of specimens from all patients who had undergone liver biopsy in a tertiary referral centre for HIV-infected patients in Dublin.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine liver biopsies were studied from 36 patients. Thirty-one (86%) showed pathological changes. Non-specific changes were most frequent, followed by viral-induced chronic hepatitis (15 cases). Acute hepatitis was documented in five and cirrhosis in four cases. Five biopsies performed for pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) or suspected tuberculosis showed granulomas. Organisms were rarely identified (2) and bile duct changes were uncommon.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver biopsy was useful in detecting primary hepatic pathology and, in some cases, the cause of PUO, but not useful in detecting opportunistic infections despite their known presence in other organs.