Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a serious condition that affects the liver, an important organ responsible for many vital functions including filtering toxins from the blood and producing proteins needed for blood clotting. It occurs when healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, which blocks the flow of blood through the liver and slows its ability to work properly. This scarring is usually caused by long-term damage from factors like chronic alcohol use, viral hepatitis, or fatty liver disease. As the liver becomes more damaged, it can lead to problems such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin), swelling in the abdomen, and confusion due to toxin buildup. Over time, cirrhosis can cause serious complications and affect overall health significantly.

Cirrhosis is defined as the end-stage of chronic liver disease characterized by diffuse hepatic fibrosis and the formation of regenerative nodules that disrupt normal liver architecture. It results from sustained liver injury caused by factors such as chronic hepatitis B or C infection, alcoholic liver disease, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The pathological hallmark is the replacement of normal liver parenchyma with fibrotic tissue and nodules, leading to portal hypertension and impaired liver function. This structural distortion causes complications including ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. The disease progression reflects a balance between ongoing injury, inflammation, and attempts at liver regeneration.