Liver cell dysplasia and hepatocellular carcinoma in non-A, non-B hepatitis.

Liver cell dysplasia (LCD) is a premalignant cytologic change of hepatocytes that has been statistically linked to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and chronic liver disease related to hepatitis B virus. The relationship of LCD to non-A, non-B (NANB) hepatitis is currently unknown. We studied liver biopsy and surgical resection specimens from 36 patients with NANB hepatitis, and identified LCD in 17 (42.5%) of 40 specimens, most often associated with cirrhosis. Dysplasia was present in individual hepatocytes, in clusters, and in a distinctive "spreading" pattern of hepatocytes about central veins. Three patients had HCC with a predominant giant cell pattern, as well as LCD. These findings suggest that LCD and HCC should be included among the potential pathologic sequelae of NANB hepatitis.