A 52 year old male was investigated for fatigue of several months duration. On physical examination the liver had a firm edge. He was positive for hepatitis B surface antigen and negative for hepatitis A and C antibodies. Piecemeal necrosis at edge of portal tract. Lymphocytes invade the limiting plate and surround and destroy hepatocytes.
Collagen fibers extend from portal tract and surround periportal hepatocytes.
Fibrous septa with no cirrhosis. Numerous hepatocytes with ground glass cytoplasm. Abundant hepatitis B surface antigen in cytoplasm of hepatocytes. Abundant hepatitis B core antigen within hepatocyte nuclei. Five years later, he developed massive hematemesis and died before the cause could be determined.