18 Questions
What is the most common type of liver abscess?
Pyogenic liver abscess
What is the primary mode of transmission of hydatid disease in humans?
Ingestion of tapeworm eggs excreted in the faeces of infected dogs
What is the time period from ingestion of eggs to developing symptoms of hydatid disease?
Months to years
What are the non-specific signs of hydatid disease?
Loss of appetite, weight loss, and weakness
What is the primary cause of liver abscess?
Abdominal conditions such as appendicitis or diverticulitis
What is the causative agent of amoebic liver abscess?
Entamoeba histolytica
What can occur if a hydatid cyst leaks or ruptures?
A severe allergic reaction and even death
What is the medical treatment for hydatid cysts?
Albendazole
What are the common causes of viral hepatitis?
Hepatotropic viruses A, B, C, D, and E
How can hepatitis A and B be prevented?
Through vaccination
What is the primary goal of treatment for acute hepatitis?
Provide supportive care
What is the success rate for a sustained viral response for chronic hepatitis C?
90%
What is a symptom of chronic hepatitis?
No symptoms at all
What is a sign of acute hepatitis?
All of the above
What is a common cause of liver cirrhosis?
Chronic viral hepatitis B or C
What is a characteristic feature of liver cirrhosis?
Hepatomegaly
What is the final treatment option for liver cirrhosis?
Liver transplantation
What is the purpose of a liver biopsy in diagnosing liver cirrhosis?
All of the above
Study Notes
Liver Diseases
Liver Infections
- Liver abscess: a mass filled with pus inside the liver, often caused by abdominal conditions such as appendicitis or diverticulitis.
- Types of liver abscess:
- Pyogenic liver abscess (80% of cases, often polymicrobial)
- Amoebic liver abscess (10% of cases, caused by Entamoeba histolytica)
- Fungal abscess (less than 10% of cases, often caused by Candida species)
- Iatrogenic abscess (caused by medical interventions)
Hydatid Liver Disease
- Caused by infection with the larval stage of the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus.
- A zoonotic and parasitic infection, acquired from animals through ingestion of tapeworm eggs in infected dog feces.
- Symptoms:
- Non-specific signs: loss of appetite, weight loss, weakness
- Vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath
- Severe allergic reaction and even death if cyst leaks or ruptures
- Diagnosis: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans, and blood tests
- Treatment: Albendazole, radical surgical removal
Viral Hepatitis
- Liver inflammation caused by a viral infection.
- Can present in acute or chronic form.
- Most common causes: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.
- Other viruses that can cause liver inflammation: cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, yellow fever, and herpes simplex virus.
- Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Pale stool
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Jaundice
- Diagnosis: History and physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and biopsy
- Treatment:
- Acute hepatitis: Supportive care
- Chronic hepatitis: Antiviral drugs (e.g., Ritonavir for Hepatitis C, tenofovir for Hepatitis B)
- Success rate for sustained viral response for chronic Hepatitis C: 90%
Liver Cirrhosis
- Progressive and widespread death of liver cells associated with inflammation and fibrosis.
- Causes:
- Alcohol
- Chronic viral hepatitis (B or C)
- Immune: Primary sclerosing cholangitis, Autoimmune liver disease
- Biliary: Primary biliary cirrhosis, Cystic fibrosis
- Genetic: Hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease
- Clinical features:
- Hepatomegaly (although liver may also be small)
- Jaundice
- Ascites
- Circulatory changes (e.g., cyanosis)
- Endocrine changes (e.g., hair loss)
- Splenomegaly
- Diagnosis: Laboratory tests, imaging tests, and biopsy
- Treatment:
- Managing causes
- General diet and lifestyle
- Decreasing complications
- Liver transplantation
Test your knowledge on liver diseases, including liver abscess, hydatid liver disease, and viral hepatitis. Learn about the causes, types, and complications of these diseases.
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