Hepatic pathologic condition in asymptomatic Australia antigen carriers. A light microscopical study of 26 cases and a review of the literature.

Liver biopsies were performed on 26 Australia antigen carriers who were asymptomatic with normal liver function tests. The carriers are part of a prospective and long-term study designed to analyze the clinical and pathological consequences of persistent, though asymptomatic antigenemia. The liver abnormalities that were indicated on biopsy included fifteen specimens with "inflammatory changes" that were characterized by intralobular foci of mononuclear cells and/or portal tract infiltrates. Fifteen biopsy specimens demonstrated "ground-glass" cells. Nine biopsy specimens showed fatty change, and three specimens were normal. The results of our study in conjunction with cases that were reviewed in the literature indicate a narrow and mild spectrum of liver biopsy specimen abnormalities in the asymptomatic carrier with normal liver function tests. Prognostic inference from this liver biopsy data is premature and clinical follow-up of carriers is advocated.