Pathology

The changes in hepatitis consist of hepatic cell necrosis and autolysis with a leucocytic and histiocytic reaction and infiltration. In severe cases there is disorganisation of the architecture of the hepatic lobules. The centres of the lobules show the cell necrosis and autolysis most markedly and the cellular infiltration is greatest round the portal tracts. The end stage may be acute or sub-acute necrosis or cirrhosis.