The degree of fibrosis and the pattern of collagen distribution in the acinar zone 3, as well as the thickness of the terminal hepatic vein walls (THV) were analyzed in 48 consecutive liver needle biopsies from 48 alcoholics with preserved liver architecture. The fibrosis occurred to more or less the same degree in the whole circumference of each THV. A positive correlation was found between the degrees of perisinusoidal/pericellular fibrosis (PSF) and the occurrence of incomplete or complete septa. The thickness of THV walls (TTHV) varied from 1.0-12.5 microns with a median of 3.9 microns. No relationship was found between TTHV and PSF. The results were compared to similar data obtained in liver biopsies from 117 non-alcoholics with normal morphology or slight non-specific changes. No significant difference concerning TTHV and THV diameter was found between alcoholic and non-alcoholic patients. The results suggest that the initial liver fibrosis in alcoholics is slightly asymmetrical distributed in each acinar zone 3 area. With progression, the fibrosis tends to be more uniformly distributed and septa appear, eventually linking THV with portal tracts. Apparently, thickening of the THV walls does not occur in early alcoholic liver disease.