Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Always Active
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe

Cirrhosis

Overview

Cirrhosis is the scarring of the liver resulting from chronic (long-term) liver disease. The normal liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue and small lumps, and liver function can be impaired. The most common causes of cirrhosis are alcoholism, the hepatitis B and C viruses, and fatty liver disease. Patients with cirrhosis face an increased risk of liver cancer.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cirrhosis include jaundice (the skin and whites of the eyes turning yellowish), weakness, itching and fatigue.

Major complications of cirrhosis include excessive build-up of fluid in the abdomen (ascites), deteriorating brain function (encephalopathy), infection, high blood pressure, progressive kidney failure, and veins rupturing and bleeding (variceal haemorrhage).

Diagnosis

If the cirrhosis is at an early stage, the patient may not yet be experiencing any symptoms. In these cases, the condition tends to be incidentally diagnosed when the patient is being tested for other conditions. The best methods for diagnosing cirrhosis are ultrasound elastography and liver biopsy (tissue sampling using a small needle, under local anaesthesia)

Treatment

Treating the causes of the cirrhosis can slow the progression of the condition, as well as reducing the risk of liver cancer. Interventional radiology techniques can help manage complications associated with the disease.

Ultimately, the treatment for cirrhosis is a liver transplant.