Liver lipid content in alcoholics.

. Liver biopsy specimens from 51 alcoholics obtained with a 0.7 mm needle have been analysed for lipid content and these values have been compared with the evaluation of visible fat in smears from the same biopsy specimens. Large variations in liver lipid concentrations have been found, ranging from one group, 24% of total, with fat within normal limits to a few individuals with a 100-fold increase in liver lipid concentration. Partly this variation is explained by varying abstinence time before biopsy. A classification of liver lipid levels into three morphological categories is suggested and will give an adequate measure of this parameter. Serum transaminases and bilirubin were the only laboratory data found to co-vary with liver fat.