Hepatology

In the 5th edition 2026, the chapters correspond to the current wording of the recognised and valid standards in 2025.

The first section is dedicated to the anatomy and physiology of the liver, describing its basic functions. Some pathophysiological processes, such as liver fibrosis and the mechanisms of its progression and regression, are also discussed. The second section describes liver symptomatology and provides theoretical information on imaging techniques useful for hepatological practice, including histological staining techniques. Attention is also paid to nutritional and intensive care in hepatology. The third section describes in detail liver cirrhosis as a consequence of all chronic liver diseases and portal hypertension with all its consequences and complications. Section four is devoted to special hepatology. This section includes chapter 13, which has undergone by far the biggest changes compared to the previous edition. It is a chapter dedicated to the issue of metabolically associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which is a newly defined and named unit previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).