Liver in leprosy - II. Histopathological changes.

Liver biopsy studies were conducted in 77 leprosy patients. The first group of 42 patients were not on any treatment, whereas the 28 patients in the second group were being treated for varying periods. The rest 7 patients in the third group were clinically quiscent. Microscopic changes in the liver biopsy specimens were mainly epitheloid cell granuloma, foam cell granuloma, nonspecific inflammatory reaction characterised by lymphocytes and polymorpho nuclear leukocytes, and to a lesser degree hepatocytolysis and fatty degeneration. The lesions were fewer in the group getting treatment compared to the untreated group.