Cirrhosis Of Liver

Cirrhosis: defined by three characteristics:

• Fibrosis: delicate band or broad septa

• Nodules: created by regeneration of hepatocytes

• Disruption of parenchymal architecture of the entire liver
  
  

Causes: cirrhosis is the end point of many disease processes, most of which are hepatitic:

• Alcoholic liver disease (60-70%)

• Viral hepatitis (10%)

• Biliary diseases (5-10%)

• Primary hemochromatosis (5%)

Others include Wilson disease, a₁-antitrypsin deficiency and cryptogenic cirrhosis.

Clinical consequences: cirrhosis may be clinically silent but ultimately leads to anorexia, weight loss, weakness, osteoporosis, and debilitation.

Ultimate causes of death are:

• Hepatic failure

• Complications of portal hypertension

• Hepatocellular carcinoma
  

Category: Gastroenterology Notes