Liver: Laennec's Cirrhosis

Laennec's cirrhosis. COMMENT: Specimens 13-22 are all examples of cirrhosis associated with alcoholism (Laennec's, portal, nutritional, alcoholic)--note that the specimens have a micronodular pattern in general with a generally uniform appearance to the nodules; however, note that some of the livers have nodules of up to about 1 cm. (see note below) and that there may be some variability in nodule size within one specimen. Intervening parenchyma is composed of fibrous septae. Also note that the remaining nodular liver parenchyma is quite pale or yellow = fatty change associated with continued alcohol abuse. Picture corresponding microscopic picture in your mind's eye of fatty change and cirrhosis (remember the definition of cirrhosis). Specimen #22 indicates that microscopically there is necrosis of hepatocytes with an inflammatory response = this is not evident grossly in this specimen. In this series, the small firm livers are good examples of end stage nutritional or alcoholic cirrhosis. NOTE: Although Robbins says that micronodular cirrhosis has nodules of up to 1 cm. in diameter, Dr. Hennigar's measurement of 3mm. and below is more characteristic