Liver Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis of the liver is characterized by scarring of the liver tissue and impairment of hepatic functions.
- As the scar tissue forms, it blocks hepatic blood flow.
- Hepatitis B & C
- Alcohol overuse
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (a metabolic syndrome)
- Hepatocyte necrosis, with replacement via fibrosis and regenerating hepatocytes.
- Portal hypertension and liver failure, which can the following effects:
- Esophageal varices, splenomegaly, edema in the lower extremity, hemorrhoids, spider nevi/angioma, jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy, etc.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma