Liver cirrhosis
Definition
Cirrhosis is the result of chronic liver disease that causes scarring of the liver (fibrosis - nodular regeneration) and liver dysfunction. This often has many complications, including accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites), bleeding disorders (coagulopathy), increased pressure in the blood vessels (portal hypertension), and confusion or a change in the level of consciousness (hepatic encephalopathy).
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Cirrhosis is caused by chronic liver disease. Common causes of chronic liver disease in the US include hepatitis C infection and long-term alcohol abuse. (See Alcoholic liver disease.) Hepatitis C is now the most common reason for liver transplantation in the US. Other causes of cirrhosis include hepatitis B, medications, autoimmune inflammation of the liver, disorders of the drainage system of the liver (the biliary system), and metabolic disorders of iron and copper (hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease).
- Cirrhosis Symptoms & Signs
- Ascites
- Swelling of the legs
- Vomiting blood
- Confusion
- Jaundice
- Small, red spider-like blood vessels on the skin
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Impotence and loss of interest in sex
- Bleeding hemorrhoids
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
- Urine output, decreased
- Swelling, overall
- Stools, pale or clay colored
- Nosebleed or bleeding gums
- Gynecomastia (breast development in males)
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal indigestion
- Fevers
Note: Symptoms may develop gradually; or there may be no symptoms.
Cirrhosis Prevention
Don't drink heavily. If you find that your drinking is getting out of hand, seek professional help. Avoiding intravenous drug use (or only using clean needles and never sharing other equipment) will reduce the risk of hepatitis B and C. Some research indicates that hepatitis C may be spread via shared use of straws or items used to snort cocaine or other drugs. Avoid snorting drugs or sharing any related parphernalia. If you have a problem with illicit drugs, seek help.
Cirrhosis Diagnosis & Tests
A physical examination may reveal an enlarged liver or spleen, distended abdomen, yellow eyes or skin (jaundice), red spider-like blood vessels on the skin, excess breast tissue, small testicles in men, reddened palms, contracted fingers, and/or dilated abdominal wall veins.
Cirrhosis Treatment
Treatment is directed at managing the complications of cirrhosis and preventing further liver damage.
Offending medications and alcohol are stopped.
Bleeding varices are treated by upper endoscopy with banding or sclerosis.
Ascites (excess abdominal fluid) is treated with diuretics, fluid and salt restriction, and removal of fluid (paracentesis).
Coagulopathy may be treated with blood products or vitamin K.
Encephalopathy is treated with the medication lactulose; sometimes antibiotics are used and patients should avoid a diet high in protein.
Infections are treated with antibiotics.
If cirrhosis progresses and becomes life-threatening, a liver transplant should be considered.
Cirrhosis Prognosis (Expectations)
Survival depends on the severity of complications of cirrhosis and the underlying causes.
- Cirrhosis Complications
- Bleeding esophageal varices
- Portal hypertension
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Mental confusion
- Coma
- Abdominal fluid retention (ascites) and infection of the fluid (bacterial peritonitis)
- Sepsis
- Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
- Kidney failure (hepatorenal syndrome)
Pictures & Images
Digestive System
The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.

Liver Cirrhosis, CT Scan
A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing cirrhosis of the liver.

Clubbing
Clubbing results from chronic low blood-oxygen levels. This can be seen with cystic fibrosis, congenital cyanotic heart disease, and several other diseases. The tips of the fingers enlarge and the nails become extremely curved from front to back.

Digestive System Organs
The digestive system organs in the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.
...