TABLE 2.  Indications for liver biopsy

Unexplained liver enzyme abnormalities Hepatosplenomegaly of unknown cause Diagnosis and staging of alcoholic liver disease Cirrhosis - diagnosis and etiology Chronic hepatitis Unexplained intrahepatic cholestasis Acute necrosis, if cause unclear Suspected infiltrative disorder, especially malignancy Unexplained systemic illness - fever of unknown origin, suspected granulomatous disease, etc.