Regarding the spectrum and pathology of alcohol-related liver disease, the following statements are TRUE:

• A. False: Alcoholic hepatitis shows ballooning and Mallory bodies.
• B. False: Steatosis can improve with abstinence, not irreversible.
• C. False: Cirrhosis is part of the ALD spectrum.
• D. False: Mallory bodies are characteristic of, but not specific to, alcoholic hepatitis; they are also seen in NASH and Wilson's disease.
• E. True

Spectrum and pathology of ALD

Alcohol-related liver disease spans steatosis, hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Key facts

• Macrovesicular steatosis develops in 90-95% of heavy drinkers.
• Alcoholic hepatitis: hepatocyte ballooning and Mallory bodies with inflammation.
• Steatosis can improve within 2 weeks of abstinence.
• Cirrhosis is the advanced stage.

About Mallory bodies

• Characteristic of alcoholic hepatitis but not specific - also in NASH and Wilson's disease.

Statement-by-statement verdict

Why A is false

Alcoholic hepatitis DOES show hepatocyte ballooning and Mallory bodies.

Why B is false

Steatosis can IMPROVE within about 2 weeks of abstinence.

Why C is false

Cirrhosis IS the advanced stage of the spectrum.

Why D is false

Mallory bodies are not specific to alcoholic hepatitis; they also occur in NASH and Wilson's disease.

Why E is true

Steatosis develops in most heavy drinkers.