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Pathophysiology of Cirrhosis Video
ACLS Certification Association videos have been peer-reviewed for medical accuracy by the ACA medical review board.
Video at a Glance
- This video discusses the pathophysiology of cirrhosis.
- The most common cause of cirrhosis is alcoholic liver disease, though it may be the result of NASH, viral disease, hemochromatosis, or a variety of toxins.
- Cirrhosis causes inflammation in the Space of Disse.
- Heavy, chronic drinkers consistently suppress gluconeogenesis and increase fatty acids, leading to fatty depositions in the Space of Disse and inflammation.
- The inflammation stimulates stellate cells, which deposit fibrin and collagen into the Space of Disse, damaging the hepatocytes and narrowing the sinusoids.
- Sinusoid narrowing increases pressure through the portal vein back into the capillary, causing engorged veins and capillaries throughout the gut.
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