Cirrhosis overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''Cirrhosis''' is a consequence of chronic [[liver]] [[disease]] characterized by replacement of liver [[Tissue (biology)|tissue]] by fibrotic [[scar]] tissue as well as regenerative [[Nodule (medicine)|nodules]], leading to progressive loss of liver function. Cirrhosis is most commonly caused by [[alcoholism]] and [[hepatitis C]], but has many other possible causes. | '''Cirrhosis''' is a consequence of chronic [[liver]] [[disease]] characterized by the replacement of liver [[Tissue (biology)|tissue]] by fibrotic [[scar]] tissue as well as regenerative [[Nodule (medicine)|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 are[[hepatic 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]]. | [[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 are [[hepatic 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== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
Revision as of 11:52, 7 September 2012
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Cirrhosis Microchapters |
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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 the 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 are hepatic 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.