Path: Liver Flashcards
What are the 2 main complications from fibrosis of the liver?
(1) Impedes the synthetic and clearing functions of the liver.
(2) Increases resistance in the liver leading to portal hypertension.
What are the stages of fibrosis that lead to cirrhosis?
(1) expansion
(2) formation of septae
(3) bridging of septae
(4) cirrhosis
What is AST?
Aspartate aminotransferase.
What is ALT?
Alanine aminotransferase.
What is GGT?
Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase.
Where is ALT produced?
The liver predominantly.
Where is AST produced?
Liver, muscle, kidney, heart.
Where is AST most present in the hepatocyte?
The cytoplasm and mitochondria.
Where is ALT most present in the hepatocyte?
The cytoplasm.
What enzyme is most aberrantly elevated in hepatitis?
ALT.
What enzyme is most aberrantly elevated in alcohol-induced liver disease?
AST.
J: This process is responsible for elevated LFTs after hepatocyte injury.
What is cytoplasmic blebbing?
What is unique about the caudate lobe as compared to the other lobes of the liver?
It has direct venous drainage into the inferior vena cava.
In the event of venous outflow obstruction in the liver, which zone will show the earliest signs of congestion?
Zone 3.
What is the course of chronic Budd-Chiari?
(1) The hepatic veins become obstructed.
(2) The non-caudate lobes of the liver become congested and enlarged.
(3) These lobes eventually become fibrotic and atrophy.
(4) To compensate for this functional loss, the caudate lobe undergoes hypertrophy.
What are the initial effects of a hepatic portal vein thrombosis?
Likely nothing. (The spleen may become enlarged.)
What are the long-term effects of a hepatic portal vein thrombosis?
Remodeling and fibrosis may lead to an obliteration of the portal vein and portal hypertension.
What is the most common cause of portal hypertension worldwide?
Schistosomiasis.
What are consequences of obstruction of the hepatic artery?
Bile duct infarction followed by a biloma, a large lesion consisting of spreading biliary contents and necrotic material.
Why is the hepatic bile duct more prone to infarction?
It only receives blood from the hepatic artery.