GIS21 Pathology of hepatitis and cirrhosis

Question 1

[Take-home message]
Name three characteristic pathological features of cirrhosis.

Answer 1

1. Diffuse process affecting the entire liver
2. Regenerative nodules of hepatocytes
3. Regenerative nodules surrounded by fibrous connective tissue

Question 2

[Take-home message]
Name one complication of cirrhosis NOT due to portal hypertension.

Answer 2

HCC (due to constant cell loss and regeneration)

Question 3

What is the only currently effective and potentially curative treatment for cirrhosis?

Answer 3

Liver transplantation

Question 4

Describe the pathogenetic basis of hepatic encephalopathy.

Answer 4

Porto-systemic shunting
=> failure of liver to eliminate nitrogen metabolites (e.g. ammonia)
=> CNS syndrome (confusion, coma, flapping tremor)

Question 5

[Practical]
Explain the pathogenetic basis of hematemesis in cirrhosis.

Answer 5

Cirrhosis => portal HT => esophageal varices => ruptured => vomit blood