Kanel GC Korula J:

Liver Biopsy Evaluation—Histologic Diagnosis and Clinical Correlations, 255 pp, Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 2000 ($139).

There are several pathology texts that describe the histologic features of the diseases that affect the liver. These require that one already knows the disease entity. The construction of Drs. Kanel and Korula’s book is more in keeping with how a surgical pathologist evaluates a liver biopsy—after recognizing the different histology findings, he or she would need to decide what the possible causes are.

The book is divided into five chapters. Chapter 1 is a short “Introduction” that reviews the principles of liver biopsy assessment and also explains the construction and use of the book. Chapter 2 is titled “Morphological Landmarks in Liver pathology.” The authors have selected 35 histologic findings, arranged alphabetically, starting with “Abscess Formation” and ending with “Vessels (excluding sinusoids). Thrombosis and Occlusion.” Under each finding there is a brief discussion, a table listing the possible associated diseases, and selected illustrations of the more common diseases. Chapter 3 is titled “Liver Diseases: Pathology and Clinical Considerations.” In this section, the diseases (230 in all) are listed alphabetically and the major histologic and clinical/laboratory parameters are listed in table format. Several references also are provided for each disease entity. In Chapter 4, “Drug-Induced and Toxic Liver Cell Injury,” the authors have selected 20 different types of liver injury under which are listed the various associated drugs and toxins. Finally, there are more than 1000 references listed in Chapter 5.

This is not the first book organized by histologic findings. However, the strengths and uniqueness of this book are the inclusion of 230 different diseases with a listing of both major histologic findings as well as clinical/laboratory parameters, the good to excellent illustrations, and the alphabetical organization, which greatly facilitates the use of the book. Finally, a comprehensive and more up-to-date listing of drugs/toxins that cause liver disease is always useful.

This is probably not the book that one would use to start to learn about liver pathology. However, if one has a basic foundation, I think having a book organized in this way is invaluable.