Biopsy findings in cases of rejection of liver allograft.

Features of rejection were found in 21 needle biopsies obtained from seven patients after liver transplantation. Wedge biopsies taken peroperatively were used as a baseline for comparison. Rejection was diagnosed by excluding other known causes of graft dysfunction using appropriate methods. In cases in which these criteria were fulfilled a consistent picture of rejection was seen, and this was useful in clinical management. Two features constantly present in cases of acute rejection were: a dense mixed portal inflammatory infiltrate; and polymorphonuclear infiltration of biliary epithelium.