Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, Emphysema, and Cirrhosis in an Adult
- KENNETH L. COHEN, M.D.;
- PETER E. RUBIN, M.D.;
- RENE A. ECHEVARRIA, M.D.;
- HARVEY L. SHARP, M.D.; and
- PERRY O. TEAGUE, Ph.D.
Abstract
The association between alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and cirrhosis has been described in children but not in adults. The liver from an adult with homozygous alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, emphysema, and cirrhosis was studied with fluorescent antibody specific for alpha-1 antitrypsin. The morphological findings from electron microscopy, fluorescent staining, and staining with periodic acid-Schiff reagent were similar to those found in the livers from children with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and cirrhosis. The areas of greatest cellular damage contained the most alpha-1 antitrypsin. A deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin was associated with significant liver disease in this patient. More extensive evaluation of liver function and structure in adult patients deficient in alpha-1 antitrypsin is clearly indicated.
Article and Author Information
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▸From the Departments of Medicine and Pathology, J. Hillis Miller Health Center, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.; and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn.
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Perry O. Teague, Ph.D., Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla. 32601.
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- Received April 10, 1972.
- Accepted August 7, 1972.
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