A. Fatty change – liver

Fatty change - Liver: 

Refers to abnormal accumulation of triglycerides within parenchymal cells. This results either due to excessive entry or defective metabolism of triglycerides within the liver. The most important cause includes alcohol abuse while the other causes include diabetes, obesity, protein malnutrition and anoxia. 

History:

50 year-old alcoholic male patient presented with on and off jaundice. 

Key Questions & Answers

1) Describe the gross features of the specimen.

1. Specimen of Liver

2. C/S shows diffuse pale yellowish discoloration with rounded borders

2) Mention the microscopic features of the given slide.

1. Hepatocytes arranged in cords with portal triad and central vein

2. Hepatocytes show fatty change with formation of fatty cysts. 

3. Hepatocytes show fat accumulation within the cytoplasm (empty space) and a peripherally pushed nucleus.

3) Diagnose the pathological condition correlating the history, gross and microscopic features.

             Fatty change Liver

4) What are the common causes of this condition?

1. Alcoholism

2. Diabetes Mellitus

3. Obesity

4. Starvation

5) What is the special technique and special stains used to demonstrate the accumulated material? 

1. Special technique – Frozen section

2. Special stains – Sudan black, Oil Red O, Sudan 3, Sudan 4