Objective: To discuss the clinicopathological characteristics and differential diagnosis of nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver (NRH).
Methods: 9 cases of NRH were collected and their clinical and pathological features were reviewed.
Results: NRH is an important cause of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension which is frequently associated with autoimmune disease, malignant tumors and administration of certain drugs. Clinically NRH presents portal hypertension, but with almost normal liver function. Pathological examinations found diffuse nodules of hyperplastic hepatocytes in liver without fibrous septa in between. The obliteration of portal veins are frequently seen. This suggests that ischemia caused by alteration of portal veins may play an important role in the development of nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver.
Conclusion: Histopathology of NRH is characteristic and it should be differentiated from cirrhosis, focal nodular hyperplasia and hepatocellular adenoma.