Incomplete septal cirrhosis: an enigmatic disease

Abstract

Incomplete septal cirrhosis is a form of macronodular cirrhosis characterized by fine and incomplete septa, which delimit rudimentary regeneration nodules. Its etiopathogeny is uncertain and is associated with various diseases such as regenerative nodular hyperplasia, idiopathic portal hypertension, and partial non-cirrhotic nodular transformation, as well as with progression and regression of cirrhosis of any etiology. Few studies are available in the literature describing the clinical and biological characteristics of incomplete septal cirrhosis. Goal: The objective of the present descriptive study was to study this entity in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, and to compare the histopathological, biological and clinical data obtained with those reported in the specialized literature. Materials and Methods: We reviewed eight cases of incomplete septal cirrhois of varieties etiologies. Hepatitis C, autoimmune hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease and criptogenic liver disease were present in our cases. Fibrosis progression as well as cirrhosis regression could be identified in these patients. Conclusions: We concluded that Incomplete septal cirrhosis is not a disease itself but it could be considered as a stage of progression and regression of liver fibrosis.