Table 2.
Histopathological Features Most Useful in Differentiating AIH From Chronic Hepatitis C Virus
| Feature | AIH | Hepatitis C Virus |
|---|---|---|
| Lobular inflammation/necrosis | +−+++ | +/− |
| Plasma cells | +−+++ | 0−+ |
| Interface hepatitis | +−+++ | 0−++ |
| Parenchymal collapse | +−+++ | 0 |
| Steatosis | 0−+ | +−+++a |
| Portal lymphoid aggregates | 0−+ | +−+++ |
| Germinal center formation in lymphoid aggregates | 0 | 0−++ |
| Bile duct injury† | 0−+ | +−++ |
This table has been adapted with permission from Biopsy Interpretation of the Liver, 2nd ed.12
a
Steatosis is particularly seen with genotype 3 hepatitis C virus.
Bile duct injury is rarely seen in AIH but is characteristic of AIC.11
0 = no change, += minimal or mild change, ++= moderate change, +++= marked change.