American Board of Pathology (ABPath) Practice Test

Increased attenuation on imaging, particularly ultrasound or CT scans, often suggests an increase in liver parenchymal density, typically due to the accumulation of fat, fibrosis, or inflammation, all of which can be seen in chronic liver diseases, including chronic hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis can lead to hepatic fibrosis and alterations in the liver architecture, which can manifest as increased echogenicity or attenuation in imaging studies.

This phenomenon is due to the progressive accumulation of collagen and other matrix components as the liver undergoes chronic inflammatory changes. Over time, as chronic hepatitis persists, the liver's ability to regenerate diminishes, leading to further structural changes and potentially cirrhosis, which also presents with increased attenuation. However, the statement holds true for chronic hepatitis independent of cirrhosis, as the underlying pathology causes the liver's echogenic properties to change.

The other options, while relating to specific conditions and confusion around the presentation, do not accurately reflect the changes associated with chronic hepatitis itself. Thus, stating that increased attenuation can be seen in the presence of chronic hepatitis is accurate.