Indications for Liver Biopsy*
Condition | Use |
|---|---|
Unexplained liver test abnormalities | Diagnosis |
Alcohol-related liver disease or nonalcohol-related fatty liver disease | Diagnosis and staging |
Chronic hepatitis (viral or autoimmune) | Diagnosis and staging |
Heavy metal storage disorders (eg, hemochromatosis, Wilson disease) | Diagnosis |
Suspected rejection or another complication after liver transplantation | Diagnosis |
Liver donor status | Evaluation |
Hepatosplenomegaly of unknown cause | Diagnosis |
Unexplained intrahepatic cholestasis (usually primary biliary cholangitis [primary biliary cirrhosis], primary sclerosing cholangitis or drug-induced liver injury) | Diagnosis |
Suspected cancer or unexplained focal lesions | Diagnosis |
Unexplained systemic illness (eg, fever of unknown origin, inflammatory or granulomatous disorders) | Diagnosis (culture is done) |
Monitoring | |
*Generally, biopsy is indicated for suspected liver abnormalities that are not identified by less invasive methods or that require histopathology for staging. | |