Menu Close

What is the pathophysiology of cirrhosis?

What is the pathophysiology of cirrhosis?

Pathogenesis and pathophysiology of cirrhosis Fibrosis describes encapsulation or replacement of injured tissue by a collagenous scar. Liver fibrosis results from the perpetuation of the normal wound healing response resulting in an abnormal continuation of fibrogenesis (connective tissue production and deposition).

What is Micronodular cirrhosis?

Micronodular cirrhosis corresponds to liver parenchyma in which almost all nodules are smaller than 3 mm. This is the classical “Laennec cirrhosis” caused by chronic alcohol-induced liver injury (Fig. 41.1A) but which is also seen in hemochromatosis, chronic biliary disorders (Fig. 41.1B), and Wilson disease.

What are the causes of Micronodular cirrhosis?

Micronodular cirrhosis (uniform nodules less than 3 mm in diameter): Cirrhosis due to alcohol, hemochromatosis, hepatic venous outflow obstruction, chronic biliary obstruction, jejunoileal bypass, and Indian childhood cirrhosis.

What is the most common cause of Micronodular cirrhosis?

Viral hepatitis (B or C) is the most common cause for macronodular cirrhosis. Wilson’s disease and alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency also can produce a macronodular cirrhosis.

What is the most common cause of cirrhosis?

The most common causes of cirrhosis are: Hepatitis and other viruses. Alcohol abuse. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (this happens from metabolic syndrome and is caused by conditions such as obesity, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and high blood pressure)

What is liver parenchyma?

The liver parenchyma is mostly comprised by liver cells (hepatocytes). The major supporting cells are Kupffer cells and stellate cells. Kupffer cells are the resident mononuclear phagocytes. In quiescent state, the stellate cells are responsible for vitamin A storage and metabolism.

Can you recover from cirrhosis?

There’s no cure for cirrhosis at the moment. However, there are ways to manage the symptoms and any complications and slow its progression. Treating the problem that led to cirrhosis (for example, using anti-viral medicines to treat hepatitis C) can stop cirrhosis getting worse.

What is the classification of cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is classified based on morphology or etiology. Morphologically, cirrhosis is (1) micronodular, (2) macronodular, or (3) mixed. This classification is not as clinically useful as etiologic classification.