Liver Cirrhosis

Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is the consequence of prolonged liver injury. In general, liver enzymes may not be elevated, and liver function test can be normal in early stage of cirrhosis. In late stage, cirrhotic complications including jaundice, oesophageal and gastric varices, and ascites may develop. Patients with liver cirrhosis have a high risk to develop liver cancer. Liver cirrhosis is usually discovered on imaging by ultrasound, CT scan or MRI. Liver cirrhosis does not provide information of the nature of liver disease and further investigations are needed. The commonest causes of liver cirrhosis are chronic hepatitis B, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and alcohol-related liver disease. Less common causes include chronic hepatitis C, autoimmune hepatitis, metabolic disorders, and bile duct obstruction. Treatment of the underlying cause of liver cirrhosis may retard disease progression and prevent complications. All patients with liver cirrhosis should receive surveillance to detect early, curable liver cancer.