Hepatic fibrosis

Definition

Hepatic Fibrosis is defined as an excess deposition of the components of extracellular matrix (i.e. collagens, glycoproteins, proteoglycans) within the liver. This response to liver injury potentially is reversible. In contrast, in most patients, cirrhosis is not a reversible process.

Exclusions

• Alcoholic liver fibrosis
• Congenital hepatic fibrosis
• Drug-induced or toxic liver disease with fibrosis or cirrhosis of liver

Inclusions

• hepatic sclerosis
• hepatic fibrosis with hepatic sclerosis

Index Terms