liver!! Flashcards

1
Q

fatty liver patho

A

1st stage of liver disease d/t alcohol consumption - >30% of hepatocytes w/ TG accumulation
**reversible quickly w/ abstinence! no fibrosis / necrosis!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

fatty liver pres

A
  • most asx

- may have vague malaise, fatigue, RUQ pain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

fatty liver labs

A
  • w/ alcohol, expect AST:ALT 2:1 or more
  • *mild elevation - AST rarely >300-500 and ALT rarely >300!
  • can have normal labs!!
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

NAFL patho

A

fatty liver due to metabolic complications - a/w insulin resistance w/ increased lipolysis, TG accum in liver and FA uptake!
***does NOT progress and NOT a/w sig inflammation!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

NASH patho

A

progressive NAFLD w/ >50% of hepatocytes w/ TG accumulation with inflammation and fibrosis!
*progresses to cirrhosis (1-5%) and hepatocellular carcinoma!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

RF NAFL & NASH

A
  • insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, dys/hyperlipidemia, hypothyroidism
  • can see NAFLD acutely w/ pregnancy - confusion, RUQ pain, jaundice - must deliver to correct!
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

when to suspect NAFLD and NASH…

A

Asx patient with elevated AST and ALT, espeically w/ diabetes / obesity / hyperlipidemia!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

workup for NAFLD

A
  1. CMP to see elevated LFT
    • AST < ALT = NONALCOHOLIC!
    • AST: ALT = 2:1 or more…ALCOHOLIC!
  2. check RF - lipids, glucose, AIC and check meds (methotrexate, glucocorticoids, tetracyclines, tamoxifen)
    - acute changes: LDH, AST, ALT, lactate
    - chronic changes: PT, bilirubin, albumin
  3. R/o hepatitis!! w/ serology!
  4. r/o autoimmune w/ ANA, gammaglobulin, antismooth muscle antibody
  5. r/o hemochromatosis w/ iron studies!
  6. often have elevated alk phos and ferritin
  7. u/s is best imaging
  8. biopsy only for severe - only way to differeentiate NAFLD AND NASH
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

NAFLD diagnostic criteria

A
  1. evidence (imaging / histology) of steatosis
  2. r/o alcohol consumption
  3. r/o other causes of steatosis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

labs c/w alcoholic liver dz

A
  1. ast: ast >2 and moderately increased (hundreds)
  2. increased ggt
  3. macrocytic anemia
  4. increased carbohydrate-deficient transferrin
    * always check bili, alk phos and GGT, albumin and coag tests
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

diagnosis of alcoholic liver dz…

A
  • consistent hx, PE findings
    1. labs -elevated ast: alt 2:1 or more, elevated ggt, macro anemia
    2. r/o hepatitis, hemochromatosis, autoimmune
    3. steatosis on imaging: u/s (cannot distinguish from nonalcoholic steatosis!)
  • may need biopsy if unclear after imaging
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

distinguishing NAFL and NASH…

A

LIVER BIOPSY then calculate NAFLD score -
<3 = NAFL
3-4 = borderline NASH
5+ = NASH

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

NAFLD management

A
  1. WEIGHT LOSS!!! most beneficial!
  2. control other CVD risk factors - statin for lipids, diabetes
  3. vitamin E in non-diabetics
  4. avoid alcohol!
    - monitor labs q 1 year and u/s q 1 year
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

metabolic syndrome - criteria

A

3 or more of:

  1. blood glucose 100+ or on tx
  2. bp 130/85 or more or on antihypertensives
  3. triglycerids of 150 or more or on tx
  4. hdl < 50 women
  5. waist circum 102cm or more in men or 88 cm or more in women
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

cirrhosis! patho and causes

A

chronic liver dz/ w/ fibrosis and nodules, most due to alcohol and hep c/b

  • irreversible!
  • 2 major effects:
    1. portal HTN: ascites, edema, caput medusa, hemorroids, splenomegaly, varicosities
    2. biochem changes w/ hepatocyte death: low albumin, increased conjugated bili, abnl coags
  • always look at meds, family hx (think about alpha 1 antitrypsin def, hemochromatosis, wilsons..)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

cirrhosis - whats used to classify severity?

A

child classification - a (best) and c (worst)

- assesses ascites, albumin, bili, encephalopathy and nutrition status

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

cirrhosis pres

A
  • lots asx
  • nonspecific malaise, fatigue, RUQ discomfort, anorexia, bleeding
  • stimata: caput medusa, ascites, palmar erythema, spider angiomatas, peripheral edema, fluid wave, gynecomastia, testicular atrophy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

whats considered “decompensated cirrhosis?”

A

once a patient has complications of cirrhosis = decompensated

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

complications of liver dz

A

AC, 9H:

  1. ascites
  2. coagulopathy
  3. high ammonia
  4. hepatic encephalopathy
  5. hypoalbumin
  6. hepatorenal syndrome
  7. high bilirubin
  8. hypoglycemia
  9. portal hypertension
  10. hepatocellular carcinoma
  11. hyperestrinism (vascular changes)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

portal htn - liver dz

A
  • pres: bleeding, ascites
  • dx: paracentesis can help if ascites present
  • tx: TIPS, nonselective BB for varices if present
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

ascites - liver dz

A

MOST COMMON COMPLICATION! MUST HAVE PORTAL HTN TO HAVE ASCITES! then also have low albumin!

  • pres: shifting dullness, fluid wave, distension
  • dx: paracentesis indicated w/ new-onset / changing, suspect SBP, SOB/tense abdomen
    • *serum ascites albumin gradient >1.1 suggests portal htn! (transudate, while <1.1 suggests exudate d/t inflam / pancreatitis/ biliary / CA)
  • confirm w/ ultrasound
  • tx: bed rest, salt restriction and diuretics: lasix + aldactone! may need abx if suspect SBP
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

hepatorenal syndrome - liver dz

A
  • seen w/ advanced liver disease - renal failure d/t poor perfusion and arterial vasoconstriction that does NOT respond to fluids!
  • often precipitated by infection or diuretics!
    sx: azotemia, oliguria, hypotension, hyponatremia and low urine sodium
  • tx: liver transplant - poor prognosis!
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

SBP - liver dz

A
  • infection of ascitic fluid most d/t E coli
  • pres: abdominal pain, rebound, fever
    • suspect in anyone w/ ascites w/ new onset fever or change in mental status
  • dx: paracentesis w/ wbc >500 and PMN <250, culture
  • tx: for prophylaxis: rocephin, tailor to culture and repeat paracentesis 2-3 days later to doc decreased PMN
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

cirrhosis tx

A
  1. avoid alcohol and toxic meds!

2. monior labs q 3-4 mo, endoscopy for varices (nonselective BB for prophylaxis), CT biopsy if suspect HCC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

ascites - medications

A
  1. spironolactone (aldactone): 100-400 mg PO qd
    alt: amiloride, tiramterene
    • monitor K
  2. lasix -2nd line / adjunct w/ aldactone
    - if intractable: paracentesis, replace albumin and 1/2 dose of diuretic
    - TIPS and shunt
    * *stop diuretics if sodium 2
26
Q

1 cause of intractable ascites…

A

EXCESS SODIUM!!

27
Q

hepatic encephalopathy - patho

A

reversible mental status changes, ASTERIXIS, neuromuscular twitching in liver dz d/t ammonia accumulation
-often in pt w/ liver dz w/ insult (hemorrhage, infection, fluid or electrolyte disturbance)

28
Q

hepatic encephalopathy stages

A
  1. mild confusion, changes in speech / sleep
  2. marked confusion, lethargy, asterixis
  3. stuporous, incoheret, asterixis, arousable
  4. coma
    - fetor hepaticus: musty breath
29
Q

hepatic encephalopathy - dx

A
  1. r/o tox, hypoglycemia

2. EEG - symmetric slowing of basic rhythm

30
Q

hepatic encephalopathy tx

A
  1. lactulose - titrate to 2-3 bm/d
  2. if worsening or no change after 2 days add rifaximin (very expensive, not long-term tx)
  3. neomycin / FQ / flagyl - will help decrease ammonia production by decreasing bowel flora
  4. reduce protein to 30-40 g/day
31
Q

LFT abnormalities…

A

ALT is more specific!!

  • with mild increase (hundreds) think about chronic viral hepatitis (BCD), alcoholic
  • moderate increase: acute viral
  • severe (thousands): shock liver, ischemic, severe acute viral hepatitis
32
Q

cause of increased LFT + asx

A
  1. autoimmune
  2. hep B
  3. hep C
  4. drugs
  5. ethanol
  6. fatty liver
  7. growths (ca)
  8. hemodynamic dz (CHF)
  9. iron, copper
33
Q

acute and chronic hepatitis

A

acute: 6 mo

* can be caused by EBV, CMV and HSV in immunosuppressed

34
Q

hepatitis transmission

A

A and E: fecal-oral, most in developing countries
NO CHRONIC FORMS!!!
B: parenteral and sexual; perinatal in asia and africa
C: parenteral - IV DRUG USERS
D: only as coinfection w/ B or superinfection in chronic B
**chronic forms of b,c,d!!

35
Q

acute hepatitis pres

A

wide range from asx to fulminant!

  • often have jaundice, N/V, anorexia, aversion to smoke, RUQ pain, dark urine (d/t increased conjugated bili), malaise
  • *polyarteritis nedosa w/ B and cryoglobulinemia w/ C
36
Q

acute liver failure

A
  • fulminant: develop hepatic encephalopathy within 8 weeks of acute liver disease onset. all have coagulopathy (INR 1.5 and up)
  • subfulminant: develop hepatic enceph 8 weeks-6 mo w/in onset of acute liver disease
  • *most d/t tylenol tox, idiosyncratic drug rxns (abx, AED, anti-TB meds)
  • death most commonly d/t cerebral edema and sepsis
37
Q

acute liver failure tx

A

aimed at correcting metabolic disturbances - lactulose for encephalopathy, acetylcysteine for tylenol tox, GI prophylaxis, mannitol for cerebral edema

38
Q

hep a testing

A

-elevated AST and ALT, then increased alk phos (not seen w/ hep b)
-serum IgM anti-HAV with clinical symptoms= gold std for diagnosis of acute infection
-peaks in 1st week, gone in 3-6 mo
IgG indicates exposure - positive after 1 mo, persists for years-decades

39
Q

hep a prognosis

A

expect recovery! supportive tx and bed rest. most recover in 3-6 months!
only see symptoms in adults! kids = asx!

40
Q

hep b testing

A
  • higher ast and alt than in hep a, no signs of cholestasis
    1. HBsAg: 1st sign of acute infection before biochemical changes
    • if positive >6 mo = chronic infection
    • if negative = virus cleared!
      1. anti-hbs: appears once surface antigen is gone! 1-3 mo after infection
        * pos = sign of RECOVERY, NONINFECTIOUS, IMMNUNE
      2. Anti-HBc = IgM and IgG - after surface antigen, before antibody
        - pos = acute or chronic
        - IgM pos in acute and flares of chronic
        - IgG pos in acute and persists
      3. hbeag: indicates replication and infectivity
      4. hbv dna - mimics hbeag - if positive >6 weeks - risk of chronic!
41
Q

hep b tx / prognosis

A
  • chronic form more in KIDS and immunocompromised! most clear in 3-6 mo
  • tx: interferon alpha (alt = lamivudine) for CHRONIC
    • potential exposure / neonate: immune globulin w/in 7 days then vaccinate!
42
Q

hep c testing

A
  1. hep c antibody: positive in 2-6 mo
    • more indicative of exposure
  2. hep c RNA - positive 1st w/in 2 weeks!
  3. always check genotype - changes treatment!
    - w/ positive antibody, check RNA or if suspect acute / known exposure automatically get RNA at same time as antibody!
    - w/ positive RNA, marked increase in enzymes and neg antibody = likely ACUTE infection!
    - RNA often lower in acute
    - w/ positive RNA, positive antibody and moderate elevated enzymes = more likely chronic
    - higher more stable RNA levels, fibrosis
    - pos antibody + neg RNA = CLEARED previous infection
43
Q

hep c tx - chronic

A

peginterferon and ribaviron - longer for genotype 1

44
Q

hep d testing

A

-to infect, must have positive Hbsag and Igm Anti HBc and then check for HDV antibodies!

45
Q

hep e testing

A
test for Igm HEV
#1 cause of acute hep worldwide!
46
Q

hepatocellular adenoma - RF , a/w…

A

benign liver tumor most in young women (15-40) a/w steroid use and OCPs!!

47
Q

hepatocellular adenoma pres

A
  • asx or RUQ pain / fullness

- dx: often single mass seen on imaging - ct or u/s

48
Q

hepatocellular adenoma tx

A

-stop OCP
-resect if >5 cm d/t risk of RUPTURE!
10% risk of malignant transformation!

49
Q

cavernous hemangioma

A

MOST COMMON BENIGN LIVER TUMOR! vascular tumor d/t dilation of vessels

50
Q

cavernous hemangioma pres

A

most asx, may have RUQ pain (r/o other causes if present)

  • dx w/ imaging: u/s or ct w/ iv contrast!
    • *BIOPSIES ARE CONTRAINDICATED!!!
51
Q

cavernous hemangioma tx

A

-most dont need treatment unless symptomatic or high risk of rupture!

52
Q

focal nodular hyperplasia

A

second most common benign tumor of liver - NO MALIGNANT POTENTIAL!!!
-NOT a/w OCP and has a CENTRAL SPOKE WHELL SCAR!

53
Q

focal nodular hyperplasia pres

A

most asymptomatic!

-usually nodular mass in both R and L lobes w/ fibrous scar w/ radiating septa!

54
Q

focal nodular hyperplasia workup

A
  • can dx w/ imaging (ct / mri) w/ characteristic scar and asx
  • if painful, r/o other causes of pain
  • if uncertain / no scar, must dx histiologically
55
Q

focal nodular hyperplasia tx

A
  • w/ central scar and asx - no treatment

- if growing / persistent sx - resection

56
Q

liver cancers…

A

mostly metastatic!

most common primary = hepatocellular carcinoma!!! (>80% primary)

57
Q

hepatocellular carcinoma

A

1 primary tumor (most liver tumors= mets!) - rare in u.s. but #1 cause of cancer deaths worldwide!!

58
Q

hepatocellular carcinoma types

A
  1. nonfibrolammelar - more common
    • a/w hep B, C, cirrhosis!
    • typically NOT resectable and SHORT survival (less than 1 year)
  2. fibrolamellar - less common
    • NOT a/w hep b, c or cirrhosis
    • more in teens / young adults
    • more likely resectable w/ longer survival
59
Q

HCC risk factors

A
  1. cirrhosis (develops in 10%)
  2. liver carcinogens
  3. hepatocellar adenoma
  4. inheritied liver dz - wilsons, AAT, hemocrhomatosis
  5. smoking
60
Q

HCC pres

A

-male, 50s-60s w/ PAINFUL HEPATOMEGALY w/ constitutional fever, weight loss fatigue and signs of cirrhosis

61
Q

HCC workup

A
  1. check hep b, c, lft, coags
  2. check AFP - elevated in 40-70%
    • for diagnosis and treatment monitoring
  3. imaging - u/s or CT
    • *positive for hypervascular mass >2cm w/ elevated AFP in pt w/ cirrhosis is DIAGNOSTIC for HCC!!!!
  4. biopsy - only done for non-operative patients!!
62
Q

HCC tx

A

tx of choice: resection - done for child class A

  • if non op- ablation, percutaneous ethanol injection, embolization
    • systemic chemo not effective!
  • mets: bone, lung, peritoneum