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Cirrhosis
Alternate Names : Liver Cirrhosis
DefinitionCirrhosis 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).
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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).
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• Definition
• Cirrhosis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Cirrhosis Symptoms & Signs
• Cirrhosis Prevention
• Cirrhosis Diagnosis & Tests
• Cirrhosis Treatment
• Cirrhosis Prognosis
• Cirrhosis Complications
• Cirrhosis Support Groups
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Alcoholic Liver Disease
• Anemia
• Ascites
• Bleeding Disorders
• Bleeding Esophageal Varices
• Hepatic Encephalopathy
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma
• Hepatorenal Syndrome
• Hypertension
• Liver Disease
• Sepsis
Tests & Exams
• Abdominal Film
• Albumin - Serum
• Bilirubin
• CBC
• Complement
• Liver Biopsy
• Renin
• Serum Magnesium - Test
Other Topics
• Abdominal Pain
• Alcohol Use
• Confusion
• Consciousness - Decreased
• Erection Problems
• Gynecomastia
• Indigestion
• Jaundice - Yellow Skin
• Liver Disease - Resources
• Menstrual Periods - Heavy, Prolonged, or Irregular
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Physical Examination
• Stools - Pale or Clay Colored
• Stress and Anxiety
• Swelling
• Urine Output - Decreased
• Vomiting Blood
• Weakness
• Weight Loss - Unintentional
Review Date : 5/9/2002
Reviewed By : Andrew J. Muir, M.D. M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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