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What causes cirrhosis of the liver?
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digestive system disease
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Cirrhosis is the result of chronic liver injury that causes the degeneration of functioning liver cells and their replacement with fibrous connective tissue. While the end result is always scarring, there are many potential causes:12
- Alcohol Consumption: Chronic, heavy intake of alcohol is the most common cause of cirrhosis in the Western world, often referred to as Laënnec or portal cirrhosis.12
- Viral Hepatitis: Chronic infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C is a leading cause of cirrhosis, particularly in underdeveloped countries.12
- Congenital and Metabolic Disorders: Conditions such as Wilson disease (excess copper), hemochromatosis (excess iron), cystic fibrosis, and alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency can lead to cirrhosis.12
- Biliary Issues: Primary biliary cirrhosis is an autoimmune disease of the bile ducts, while secondary biliary cirrhosis can result from chronic obstruction or infection caused by gallstones, tumors, or liver flukes.2
- Other Factors: Obesity and chronic vascular congestion of the liver—often due to prolonged heart failure or obstruction of the hepatic veins—are also known causes.12