What Does Nodular Liver Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 10 Jan 2015

Question: Hi,
My husband has just been discharged from hospital. I'm reading his notes and it says he has Nodular liver with evidence of decompensation.
I'm really worried can it be treated, it's not dangerous ?

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Nodular liver with decompensation

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

Nodular liver with evidence of decompensation indicates Cirrhosis of liver with portal hypertension & hepatocellular failure.
Regardless of the cause of cirrhosis, the pathologic features of cirrhosis consist of the development of fibrosis to the point that there is architectural distortion with the formation of regenerative nodules which gives the nodular appearance of the liver.
Portal hypertension is a significant complicating feature of decompensated cirrhosis and is responsible for the development of ascites(fluid in the belly) and bleeding from varices (internal bleeding) including esophagogastric varices,some times hemorrhoids causing PR bleeding,two complications that signify decompensated cirrhosis. Loss of hepatocellular function results in jaundice(yellowing of eyes and skin), coagulation disorders, and hypoalbuminemia and contributes to the causes of portosystemic encephalopathy(confusion).

Patients who have developed complications of their liver disease and have become decompensated should be considered for liver transplantation.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T