Hepatic cirrhosis

Definition

Hepatic (liver) cirrhosis is the end stage of fibrosis of the liver caused by many kinds of liver diseases and conditions. Diffuse nodulation of liver due to fibrous bands subdividing liver into regenerative nodules. Blood vessels reach outflow through resistant collagen which contributes to the portal hypertension. Liver cirrhosis is usually irreversible. Some patients with cirrhosis in the early stage are asymptomatic, and other patients in the advanced stage showed signs and symptoms caused by decreased hepatic synthetic function, portal hypertension or decreased detoxification function.

Exclusions

• Alcoholic cirrhosis of liver without hepatitis
• Alcoholic hepatitis with cirrhosis
• Congenital cirrhosis of liver
• Secondary biliary cirrhosis
• Cardiac fibrosis and cirrhosis of liver
• Drug-induced or toxic liver disease with fibrosis or cirrhosis of liver

Index Terms