Lipogranulomas in Non-Fatty Human Livers: A Mineral Oil Induced Environmental Disease

Abstract

Forty-four cases of lipogranulomas (LG) in non-fatty livers (NFL), consisting of 38 biopsies and six autopsy livers, were studied. LG in NFL have a distinct morphologic characteristic and virtually all are attached to or closely associated with the walls of hepatic venules. The reason for this peculiar location remains unexplained. Our data from lipid histochemistry and analysis of lipid extracts from the livers and foodstuffs by thin-layer chromatography and gas-liquid chromatography indicate that LG in NFL most likely represent a reaction to absorbed saturated hydrocarbons, like mineral oil, used widely in the food industry. The incidence of LG is increasing, as evidenced by a 1.7% incidence in 1952–53 compared with 4.6% in 1978–80. LG seldom present a diagnostic problem provided serial sections are examined. An awareness of the characteristic morphology will prevent an extensive granuloma work-up. They appear to be an incidental finding in liver biopsies, and of no clinical significance at present; however, their long-term implication, if any, must await future observations.