clinical features and consequences
Last reviewed 09/2023
In liver cirrhosis, there may be no stigmata of live disease if the patient is 'compensated'. Otherwise clinical features may include:
- symptoms:
- lethargy
- itch, especially in primary biliary cirrhosis
- fever
- weight loss
- swelling of abdomen and ankles.
- signs:
- jaundice
- finger clubbing
- leuconychia
- palmar erythema
- bruising
- spider naevi
- parotitis
- sexual changes:
- in males: gynaecomastia, reduced body hair
- in females: erratic menstruation and breast atrophy;
- hepatomegaly
- splenomegaly
Also, liver cirrhosis can cause:
- portal hypertension
- transudate ascites
- Cruveilhier-Baumgarten syndrome
- oesophageal varices