Acute or chronic degenerative and inflammatory lesion of the liver in the alcoholic which is potentially progressive though sometimes reversible; it does not necessarily include steatosis, fibrosis, or cirrhosis of the liver, although it is frequently associated with these conditions; it is characterized by liver cell necrosis, infiltration by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes, and mallory bodies.

Alcoholic hepatitis is hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) due to excessive intake of alcohol. Patients typically have a history of at least 10 years of heavy alcohol intake, typically 8–10 drinks per day...