What is liver cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is the end result of liver fibrosis. In the cirrhotic liver, the fibrous septa and regenerative nodule occur and the structure of the normal liver deteriorates. When fibrosis progresses to the cirrhotic stage, it can cause portal vein hypertension and many other complications. Bypasses between portal vein and liver vein will occur and cause the reduction of useful blood supply to the liver cells. Fibril-forming matrix accumulates in the sinusoid,  leading to capillarization, which causes the deterioration of the microcirculation of the liver and lymph flow. This in turn causes blockages the nutrition and oxygen exchange between liver cells and blood. Poor circulation can further promote fibrosis progression. The progression of fibrosis in cirrhotic liver can push compensated liver functions to become de-compensated. When cirrhosis advances to the de-compensated stage, portal vein hypertension, liver atrophy, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and other serious dysfunctions can leads to liver failure.

Information presented on this website is for educational purposes only.
Materials presented have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and are not in any way a replacement or substitute for professional medical diagnosis and treatment.