Chapter 14: The Liver, Biliary System, Flashcards
End stage liver damage
Diffuse bands of fibrosis and nodular regeneration destroys normal architecture of liver
Fibrosis is mediated by what?
Increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
60-70% due to EtOH, or viral hepatitis, biliary disease, hemochromatosis
Portosystemic shunts partially alleviate portal HTN: esophageal varices, caput medusae, hemorrhoids
Cirrhosis
TGF-beta from stellate cells underneath the endothelial cells lining sinusoids mediate fibrosis
Results of what cause the following? Esophageal varices (=> hematemesis) Peptic ulcer (BOTH cause Melena) Splenomegaly Caput medusae Ascites Anorectal varices (=> hemorrhoids)
Effects of portal HTN
Results of what cause the following? Hepatic encephalopathy Scleral icterus Jaundice Fetor Hepaticus (breath smells musty) Liver flap = asterixis (coarse hand tremor) bleeding tendency (indecreased clotting factors, increased prothrombin time) anemia ankle edema Spider nevi Gynecomastia Testicular atrophy
Effects of liver cell failure
The last 3 are due to hyperestrogenism since damaged liver no longer breaks down estrogen
What does liver cirrhosis look like on CT? Histology?
CT = nodularity of liver contour secondary to regenerating macronodules Histology = regenerative nodules and bridging fibrosis
Decreased ceruloplasmin is seen in?
Wilson disease
Increased alk phos is seen in?
Obstructive hepatobiliary disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, bone disease
If ALT > AST?
viral hepatitis
If AST >ALT?
Alcoholic hepatitis
IF increased amylase?
acute pancreatitis or mumps
If increased gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)?
Increased in various liver and biliary disease (like ALT)
BUT NOT INCREASED in bone disease
Associated with EtOH use
Increase lipase?
Acute pancreatitis (Most Specific)
Fulminant liver failure and encephalopathy in children with viral illness (which ones?) who take aspirin
Likely related to mitochondrial damage of hepatocytes
Mech: aspirin metabolites decrease beta-oxidation by reversible inhibition of mitochondrial enzyme
WHEN IS THE ONLY TIME A CHILD SHOULD GET ASPIRIN?
S/S: hypoglycemia, elevated liver enzymes, fatty liver, hepatomegaly and nausea w/vomiting, may progress to coma/death
Reye Syndrome
Viruses: VZV, influenza B
Kawasaki disease
Reversible change with moderate alcohol intake
Macrovesicular fatty change that may be reversible with EtOH cessation
Accumulation of fat in hepatocytes
Alcoholic liver disease:
hepatic steatosis or fatty liver
Requires sustained, long term EtOH consumption
Chemical injury to hepatocytes due to acetaldehyde
Swollen and necrotic hepatocytes w/neutrophilic infiltration
Mallory bodies (damaged cytokeratin filaments, eosinophilic inclusions)
S/S: painful hepatomegaly and liver enzymes?
Seen with binge drinkers
EtOH hepatitis
Increased AST > ALT (ratio > 1.5)
Final and irreversible
long term complication of chronic EtOH induced liver damage
Micronodular
Irregularly shrunken liver with “hobnail” appearance
Sclerosis around central vein (zone 3)
jaundice, hypoalbuminemia
EtOH cirrhosis
Metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance, obesity) => fatty infiltration of hepatocytes => cellular ballooning and eventual necrosis
May cause cirrhosis and HCC
Independent of EtOH use, diagnosis of exclusion
Liver enzymes?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Increased ALT > AST (L=lipids)
Cirrhosis => portosystemic shunts => decreased NH3 metabolism => neuropsychiatric dysfxn
Spectrum:
Disorientation/mild asterixis to difficult arousal or coma (severe).
Triggers:
Increase NH3 production (due to dietary protein, GI bleed, constipation, infection)
Decreased NH3 removal (due to renal failure, diuretics, post-TIPS)
Treatment?
Hepatic encephalopathy
Treat: lactulose (increases NH4+ generation), low protein diet, and rifaximin kills intestinal bacteria
Most common primary malignant tumor of the liver in adults
Associated with Hepatitis B and C, Wilson disease, hemochromatosis, alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, alcoholic cirrhosis, and carcinogens (aflatoxin from Aspergillus induces p53 mutation)
May lead to Budd-Chiari syndrome
Findings: Jaundice, tender hepatomegaly, ascites, and anorexia, spreads hematogenously
Diagnosis: Increased alpha-fetoprotein, ultrasound or contrast CT
Hepatocellular carcinoma
Occlusion of IVC or hepatic veins w/centrilobular congestion and necrosis, leading to congestive liver disease (hepatomegaly, ascites, abdominal pain, and eventual liver failure)
May develop varices and have visible abdominal and back veins. Absence of JVD. Associated with hypercoagulable states, polycythemia vera, pregnancy, and HCC
Budd-Chiari Syndrome
Common, benign liver tumor; typically occurs at age 30-50 years. Biopsy contraindicated because risk of hemorrhage
Cavernous hemangioma
Rare, benign liver tumor
Subcapsular and grow with estrogen
Associated with oral contraceptive use or anabolic steroid use
Regress upon cessation of drug or could rupture spontaneously and have intraperitoneal bleeding
Hepatic adenoma