[Alcoholic liver disease: international morphologic classification. A critical analysis].

This is a critical analysis of the recent morphological classification of alcoholic liver disease, proposed by a group of European and North American pathologists. After introductory remarks on the toxic effect of alcohol, the main histopathologic lesions are described. The detailed characterization of the lesions is justified in order to unify the language used by pathologists, for a correct diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic evaluation. Comments are made on the advantages and disadvantages of an essentially morphologic classification of alcoholic liver disease.