Massive hepatic necrosis with large regenerative nodules

Abstract

Massive hepatic necrosis (MHN) is characterized by extensive panlobular and multilobular hepatocyte necrosis, and is the morphological counterpart of acute fulminant liver failure.1 Histopathologic examination of explanted liver specimens reveals a wide spectrum of morphological changes in the parenchyma, from areas of extensive hepatocyte loss and parenchymal collapse to areas of hepatocytic regeneration with the appearance of regenerating nodules. The latter may be exaggerated to the extent that they are macroscopically identifiable and even simulate neoplastic lesions. In this issue, we will discuss the histopathologic findings of MHN based on a case of a 40-year-old patient.