Session 6- Liver Pathology Flashcards
What are the main functions of the liver?
Storage, synthesis, metabolism and detoxification
What are some causes of cirrhosis and is it reversible?
Cirrhosis is irreversible and caused by alcohol misuse, deposition (fat, iron, copper), some autoimmune conditions, chronic infections (HEPb and c)and certain medications
What are the stages in alcoholic liver disease that occur before cirrhosis, are these reversible?
In the first few weeks there is a fatty change. Over years alcoholic hepatitis occurs. These changes are both reversible
Which condition results in excess deposition of iron within the liver?
Haemochromatosis
How is haemochromatosis treated?
Venesection
Which condition results in the deposition of copper within the liver and other organs because of reduced secretion in the biliary system?
Wilson’s disease
What can arise with restriction of the portal vein?
Portal hypertension
Because of hypertension, varices can arise. Where re the most common and dangerous sites of these?
Oesophagus-most dangerous
Anorectal
Umbilical
What sign is caused by multiple snake like appearance originating from belly button because of umbilical varices?
Caput medusa
What is hepatorenal syndrome?
When acute kidney injury can result from cirrhosis even though no prior damage to kidney
What condition can occur if a gallstone becomes impacted in the cystic duct but not as far as the common bile duct?
Acute cholecystitis
What is charcots triad and with which condition is it associated?
Jaundice, fever and right upper quadrant pain
Cholangitis
What condition can occur because of impaction of a gallstone in the more proximal common bile duct?
Cholangitis
What condition can occur if a gallstone becomes impacted in the distal biliary tree and blocks pancreatic secretions?
Acute pancreatitis
Into what 3 divisions can jaundice be divided?
Pre-hepatic, hepatic, post-hepatic
When does pre-hepatic jaundice occur?
When there is an excessive haem breakdown
When does hepatic jaundice occur?
When there is reduced liver function
When would post-hepatic jaundice occur?
If there is an obstruction in the biliary tree
In which type of jaundice would there be raised conjugated bilirubin levels?
Post hepatic
In which type of jaundice would there be raised unconjugated bilirubin levels?
Pre-hepatic
What symptoms related to stool and urine would be present with post-hepatic jaundice?
Pale stool and dark urine
ALT and AST are increased in plasma when there is liver damage. Which would be higher if the liver damage was acute?
ALT
Which compound in the blood would be elevated if there was pathology leading to cholestasis?
ALP, this is found in cells lining the biliary tree and so more is released when there is damage in that area
