The mechanism of malarial hepatomegaly and its relationship to hepatic fibrosis

Abstract

In malarial hepatomegaly, sinusoidal dilatation is the most important factor contributing to the enlargement of the organ. Reticulo-endothelial hyperplasia and hypertrophy provide a minor contribution only. Chronic malaria provokes a slight degree of periportal fibrosis which, in the absence of liver cell damage, does not penetrate further into the substance of the lobule.