Etymed
hepatic fibrosis
Definition
The pathological process of excessive fibrous connective tissue formation in the liver, often resulting from chronic liver disease
Clinical context
A 58-year-old man with a 20-year history of alcohol abuse presents with fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal distension. Physical examination reveals jaundice, spider angiomas, and palmar erythema. Laboratory studies show elevated liver enzymes and prolonged prothrombin time. Imaging demonstrates a shrunken, irregular liver surface with nodular regeneration. Liver biopsy confirms extensive scar tissue replacing normal hepatic architecture.
Mnemonic
Hepatic fibrosis: 'Fibrous scarring in liver disease'
These morphemes also unlock…
- hepatic — liver-related [hepato- + -ic]
- fibrosis — scarring; formation of fibrous tissue [fibro- + -osis]