Changes

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Any hepatic injury of a moderate degree or more, is going to cause a degree of fibrosis when the lesion has resolved. Fibrosis occurs due to proliferation of the supportive connective tissue in the liver. Fibrosis isolates the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] cells by effectively changing the sinusoids into capillaries and when a certain amount of fibrosis occurs, it can be self-perpetuating, the end result is a small scarred liver with functional failure.

Fibrosis is one way in which the liver responds to injury. It commonly occurs in association with chronic hepatic injury, and represents a repair stage in response to diseases that lead to [[Liver Necrosis|necrosis]] and inflammation. The process is complex and involves increased deposition of extracellular matrix in the liver, following injury-induced activation of [[Hepatic Stellate Cells|stellate cells]].

The distribution pattern of fibrosis is a reflection of the pathogenesis of the condition, and can indicate the type of underlying pathology.

==Patterns of Fibrosis ==

==Patterns of Fibrosis ==

===Centrilobular (periacinar) Fibrosis===

===Centrilobular (periacinar) Fibrosis===

This involves fibrosis around  the hepatic venule (centrilobular vein). It is associated with chronic toxic injury since hepatocytes in this region are involved in drug metabolism. It is also associated with chronic passive congestion due to long-term [[Hear Failure, Right-Sided|right sided congestive heart failure]].

This involves fibrosis around  the hepatic venule (centrilobular vein). It is associated with chronic toxic injury since hepatocytes in this region are involved in drug metabolism. It is also associated with chronic passive congestion due to long-term [[Heart Failure, Right-Sided|right sided congestive heart failure]].

   

   

===Periportal (biliary) Fibrosis===

===Periportal (biliary) Fibrosis===

<big><b>Also see: [[Cirrhosis]]</b></big>

<big><b>Also see: [[Cirrhosis]]</b></big>

== References ==

== References ==

 

[[Category:Liver_-_General_Pathology]]

[[Category:Liver_-_General_Pathology]]

[[Category:Nicola Parry reviewing]]

[[Category:Nicola Parry reviewed]]