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Cirrhosis - Overview

Alternative Names

Liver cirrhosis

Definition of Cirrhosis:

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function as a result of chronic liver disease.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Cirrhosis is caused by chronic liver disease. Common causes of chronic liver disease in the U.S. include:

Hepatitis C infection
Long-term alcohol abuse (see alcoholic liver disease)

Other causes of cirrhosis include:

Autoimmune inflammation of the liver
Disorders of the drainage system of the liver (the biliary system)
Hepatitis B
Medications
Metabolic disorders of iron and copper (hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease)

Digestive system

Liver cirrhosis, CT scan

Clubbing

Digestive system organs

Reviewed last on: 12/12/2008
A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (5/27/2008).

References

Carithers RL, McClain C. Alcoholic Liver Disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ. Feldman: Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 81.

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