Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 571.5      ICD10: K74.60      ICD11: DB93.1

Cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcohol abuse.


Here's a breakdown:

What it is: Cirrhosis is a progressive disease where healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue. This scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through the liver and slows down the liver's ability to process nutrients, hormones, drugs, and toxins.

Cause: It's the result of long-term damage to the liver. Common causes include:
Chronic alcohol abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption over many years.
Chronic viral hepatitis: Hepatitis B, C, and D infections.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): Fat buildup in the liver, not related to alcohol.
Autoimmune liver diseases: Autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Genetic diseases: Hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Certain drugs, toxins, and infections
Blocked bile ducts
Repeated bouts of heart failure with liver congestion

Symptoms: In early stages, there may be few or no symptoms. As cirrhosis progresses, symptoms can include:
Fatigue
Weakness
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Weight loss
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Itching
Swelling in the legs, feet, or ankles (edema)
Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)
Easy bruising or bleeding
Spider-like blood vessels on the skin
Confusion, drowsiness, or slurred speech (hepatic encephalopathy)

Complications: Cirrhosis can lead to serious complications, including:
Portal hypertension: Increased pressure in the portal vein (the vein that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver).
Varices: Enlarged veins in the esophagus or stomach that can bleed.
Ascites: Fluid buildup in the abdomen.
Hepatic encephalopathy: Brain damage due to the liver's inability to remove toxins from the blood.
Splenomegaly: Enlargement of the spleen.
Kidney failure (hepatorenal syndrome)
Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
Infections
Malnutrition
Bone disease

Diagnosis: Diagnosis often involves:
Physical exam: A doctor will look for signs of liver disease.
Blood tests: To assess liver function.
Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to visualize the liver.
Liver biopsy: A small sample of liver tissue is taken for examination.

Treatment: Cirrhosis treatment focuses on:
Slowing the progression of the disease: Addressing the underlying cause (e.g., treating hepatitis, abstaining from alcohol).
Managing symptoms and complications: Medications, lifestyle changes, and procedures may be needed.
Liver transplant: In severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.

Prevention: Preventing cirrhosis involves reducing risk factors:
Limit alcohol consumption: Or abstain from alcohol completely.
Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
Practice safe sex to prevent hepatitis C.
Maintain a healthy weight to prevent NAFLD.
Manage underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.

It's important to consult with a doctor for any concerns about liver health or potential symptoms of cirrhosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and improve outcomes.