Question

liver cirrhosis is a progressive disorder in which normal hepatocytes are replaced by scar tissue. This scarring damages blood vessels and can block blood flow through the liver. Patients with cirrhosis often present with ascites, an abnormal build-up of fluid in the perioneal cavity. 1. Explain why this might occur. 2. What pressures are affected? 3. and what other organs could be involved as a result?

Answer 1

1)In cirrhosis extensis fibrosis distorts hepatic architecture....in fibrosis there will be destruction and distorsion of hepatic vasculature which leads to obstruction of blood flow...this obstruction of blood flow leads to portal hypertension......this portal hypertension and hepatic cellular insufficiency(hepatic cells produce albumin as these cells are fibrosed ...albumin will be decreased which leads to changes in pressures) leads to ASCITES.

2)Hypoalbuminemia leads to reduction in plasma oncotic pressure & due to portal hypertension there is a rise in Hydrostatic pressure in splanchanic capillary bed....the decreased plasma oncotic pressure and increased hydrostatic pressure leads to oedema.

3)Due to portal hypertension there will be gastro-esophageal varices....splenomegaly....haemorrhoids may occur due to dilation of rectal veins(spleen , gi tract complications).