What are the Histological Changes in Chronic HCV Infection?
Chronic HCV infection often leads to more significant histological alterations. One of the hallmarks is fibrosis, which can progress to cirrhosis. In this condition, liver tissue shows extensive scarring and the formation of regenerative nodules. Chronic inflammation is typically evident, with dense lymphocytic infiltration in the portal areas. Steatosis, or fatty change, is also commonly observed in chronic HCV cases.