Liver Pathology Overview

A viral infection that can cause inflammation of the liver, spread through contact with infected blood, and can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver failure.

An inflammation of the liver that can be caused by viruses, alcohol abuse, or other factors.

A type of hepatitis that is usually a short-term infection and clears up on its own within two months. Vaccination can prevent Hepatitis A.

A type of hepatitis that persists for at least 3 to 6 months and can lead to chronic liver disease and liver failure.

A serious liver condition that can develop from chronic hepatitis. It results in scarring of the liver and can lead to liver failure.

The process of spreading a disease from one person to another.

A substance that is used to prevent a particular disease. It stimulates the body's immune system to fight off the disease.

An abnormal increase in the size of the liver, which can be a symptom of liver disease.

A condition where fat accumulates in the liver cells, often caused by factors like alcohol abuse, obesity, diabetes, and steroid use.

Ultrasound imaging shows increased brightness in the liver, indicating fat deposition.

The liver may become enlarged due to fat accumulation within the cells.

The portal veins, which carry blood to the liver, can be harder to see on ultrasound due to increased fat content.

The boundary between the portal vein and hepatic vein can be less defined due to fat accumulation.

The liver is pale yellow and has a greasy texture due to the accumulation of fat.

Fatty liver is a reversible condition, meaning the liver can return to a healthy state with proper treatment.

Most patients with fatty liver experience no symptoms, although some may experience fatigue, malaise, or upper abdominal discomfort.

The liver's ability to regenerate new, healthy tissue when the damaging environment is removed.

An increase in liver size, often caused by initial changes in response to damage.

Shrinkage of the liver due to prolonged damage or insult.

High blood pressure in the portal vein, which carries blood from the digestive system to the liver.

New blood vessels that form to bypass the liver, allowing blood to flow directly to the heart without being filtered.

A yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.

A condition where the liver is no longer able to function properly.

A type of cirrhosis where the liver develops small, evenly sized nodules.

A type of cirrhosis where the liver develops larger nodules, often irregular in size.

An enlarged spleen, often seen in patients with cirrhosis due to portal hypertension.

Abnormal, enlarged veins, often in the esophagus, stomach, or rectum, that develop due to portal hypertension and can rupture and cause bleeding.

Collateral blood vessels that develop in the body to bypass the portal vein system when it's blocked, often seen in patients with cirrhosis.

Fluid buildup in the abdomen, often seen in patients with cirrhosis due to portal hypertension and reduced protein production by the liver.

An abnormal connection between the portal vein system and the systemic venous system, often seen in patients with cirrhosis.

An enlarged network of veins that appear like Medusa's snakes around the umbilicus. This is caused by portal hypertension, where high pressure in the portal vein forces blood to seek alternative routes.

A chronic liver disease characterized by scarring and fibrosis, leading to decreased liver function. This can be caused by chronic hepatitis, alcohol abuse, or other factors.

These are veins that develop to bypass the liver, allowing blood to flow directly to the heart. This is a consequence of portal hypertension in conditions like cirrhosis.

A medical procedure that involves draining fluid from the abdominal cavity. This can be done to relieve pressure from ascites, which is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen commonly seen in liver diseases.

The superficial epigastric vein is a large vein that drains into the external iliac vein. This vein is often seen enlarged in patients with portal hypertension and can contribute to the formation of Caput Medusae

A common finding in cirrhosis, this is a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity. It can cause abdominal swelling and discomfort.

This is a condition where the liver becomes enlarged, often due to inflammation or other underlying causes.

These are small, red, spider-like blood vessels that appear on the skin. They are often seen in patients with liver disease.

A sonogram is a type of ultrasound used to create images of internal organs, in this case, the liver. It is used to identify irregularities in the liver's capsule and parenchyma, which are signs of cirrhosis.

The hepatic artery, which provides blood to the liver, can appear twisted or corkscrew-shaped in patients with cirrhosis. This is due to decreased portal vein flow, increased arterial flow, and shrinkage of liver tissue.

Increased pressure within the portal venous system caused by cirrhosis forces blood to flow through collateral pathways. This creates visible distended veins on the abdominal wall, known as the "caput medusa sign."

Cirrhosis changes the flow and direction of blood in the liver. Blood flow in the portal vein becomes reversed (hepatofugal), meaning it travels away from the liver. The hepatic artery, meanwhile, will flow towards the liver (hepatopetal).

The splenomegaly is an enlarged spleen which is a common finding in patients with cirrhosis due to portal hypertension.

Esophageal varices are swollen veins in the esophagus, often caused by portal hypertension. They can be seen as multiple cyst-like areas superior to the aorta on a sagittal ultrasound image.

A shunt tube is surgically placed in the venous channels of the liver to redirect blood flow, relieving portal hypertension.

Liver cirrhosis leads to an enlarged gallbladder that floats in the ascitic fluid, which is an accumulation of fluid within the abdomen.