What is the pathophysiology of liver disease?

What is the pathophysiology of liver disease?

Cirrhosis slows the normal flow of blood through the liver, thus increasing pressure in the vein that brings blood to the liver from the intestines and spleen. Swelling in the legs and abdomen. The increased pressure in the portal vein can cause fluid to accumulate in the legs (edema) and in the abdomen (ascites).

How does alcohol affect liver disease?

Scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) Alcohol changes the chemicals that break down and remove scar tissue. This means that scar tissue builds up in the liver. Scar tissue replaces normal healthy cells. This means that the liver can’t work properly and can fail, leading to death.

What is the pathology of cirrhosis?

The pathological hallmark of cirrhosis is the development of scar tissue that replaces normal parenchyma, leading to blockade of portal blood flow and disturbance of normal liver function. Due to portal hypertension, the spleen becomes congested, which leads to hypersplenism and increased platelet sequestration.

How is alcoholic liver disease diagnosed?

How is alcohol-induced liver disease diagnosed?

1. Blood tests. Including liver function tests, which show whether the liver is working the way it should.
2. Liver biopsy. This involves removing small tissue samples from the liver with a needle or during surgery.
3. Ultrasound.
4. CT scan.
5. MRI.

What is the pathophysiology of portal hypertension?

Portal hypertension is characterized by a pathologic increase in portal venous pressure that leads to the formation of an extensive network of portosystemic collaterals that divert a large fraction of portal blood to the systemic circulation, bypassing the liver.

What is alcoholic liver disease called?

Alcoholic hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by drinking alcohol. Alcoholic hepatitis is most likely to occur in people who drink heavily over many years.