Cirrhosis overview: Difference between revisions
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==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
There are a wide range of causes for cirrhosis, including [[alcohol abuse]], [[genetic diseases]], cardiac causes, [[toxins]], [[viruses]], and [[malnutrition]]. The consequence to the liver is the same in all cases however, with the functioning liver tissue being replaced by non-functioning scar tissue. | |||
==Differentiating (Disease name) from other Conditions== | ==Differentiating (Disease name) from other Conditions== | ||
Revision as of 21:22, 6 September 2012
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Cirrhosis Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case studies |
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Cirrhosis overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Cirrhosis overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease characterized by replacement of liver tissue by fibrotic scar tissue as well as regenerative nodules, leading to progressive loss of liver function. Cirrhosis is most commonly caused by alcoholism and hepatitis C, but has many other possible causes.
Ascites (fluid retention in the abdominal cavity) is the most common complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor quality of life, increased risk of infection, and a poor long-term outcome. Other potentially life-threatening complications arehepatic encephalopathy (confusion and coma) and bleeding from esophageal varices. Cirrhosis is generally irreversible once it occurs, and treatment generally focuses on preventing progression and complications. In advanced stages of cirrhosis the only option is a liver transplant.
Pathophysiology
Cirrhosis occurs due to long term liver injury which causes an imbalance between matrix production and degradation. Early disruption of the normal hepatic matrix results in its replacement by scar tissue, which in turn has deleterious effects on cell function.
Causes
There are a wide range of causes for cirrhosis, including alcohol abuse, genetic diseases, cardiac causes, toxins, viruses, and malnutrition. The consequence to the liver is the same in all cases however, with the functioning liver tissue being replaced by non-functioning scar tissue.