Liver Cirrhosis
End-stage diffuse fibrosis and nodular architectural distortion of the liver
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
Jaundice (icterus), abdominal ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, peripheral edema, spider angiomas.
Action
Chronic hepatocyte injury activates hepatic stellate cells to deposit excessive extracellular collagen matrix, causing portal hypertension and hepatic insufficiency.
Clinical notes
Requires surveillance for esophageal varices and hepatocellular carcinoma; liver transplantation remains the definitive cure.