Cirrhosis

Alternative names:

liver cirrhosis

Definition:

A chronic liver disease which causes damage to liver tissue, scarring of the liver (fibrosis; nodular regeneration), progressive decrease in liver function, excessive fluid in the abdomen (ascites), bleeding disorders (coagulopathy), increased pressure in the blood vessels (portal hypertension), and brain function disorders (hepatic encephalopathy).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The damaged and scarred liver becomes unable to adequately remove waste products (toxins) from the blood, and the formation of scar tissue leads to increased pressure (portal hypertension) in the veins between the intestines and spleen to the liver.

Excessive alcohol use is the leading cause of cirrhosis (See Alcoholic liver disease). Other causes include infections (such as hepatitis), diseases and defects of the bile drainage system (such as biliary stenosis or obstruction), cystic fibrosis, and increased iron and copper absorption.

The type of cirrhosis depends on the cause of the disease. Complications of cirrhosis can be severe. In the U.S. cirrhosis is the 9th leading cause of death. Neurological problems (such as hepatic encephalopathy) can develop. Increased fluid collection in the abdominal cavity (ascites) is caused by decreased body protein, increased sodium, and increased pressure within the liver's blood vessels (portal hypertension). Portal hypertension can cause increased pressure, size, and fullness in the blood vessels in the esophagus (esophageal varices). Problems with bleeding and clotting can occur. The increased pressures within the blood vessels and the problems with blood clotting can increase the possibility of severe and life-threatening hemorrhage.