Necrosis of the liver cells is seen with many different disorders affecting the liver. Necrosis due to vascular or toxic injury generally affects the centri-lobular area.
Periportal necrosis occurs in eclampsia and in phosphorous toxicity.
Grossly, the liver with large areas of necrosis may appear shrunken and yellowishdue to the necrosis. Focal necrosis may appear as focal areas of yellowish discoloration visible on cross section. Focal necrosis is followed an inflammatory infiltrate which results in removal of the necrotic debris and restructuring of the lobular structure, by division of existing cells within the connective tissue framework. Repeated bouts of necrosis and repair may result in disruption of the structure of the liver and result in cirrhosis. Massive necrosis, on the other hand, can result in liver failure and death.