Májzsugorodás

Májzsugorodás, also known as liver fibrosis, is a condition characterized by the development of scar tissue in the liver. This scarring occurs as a response to chronic liver injury, which can be caused by various factors. When the liver is repeatedly damaged, its normal tissue is replaced by fibrous connective tissue. This fibrosis can progress over time, leading to more severe liver damage.

The causes of chronic liver injury leading to májzsugorodás are diverse. Common causes include chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C), alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), autoimmune hepatitis, and certain genetic disorders. Prolonged exposure to toxins or certain medications can also contribute to liver damage.

Initially, májzsugorodás may not present with obvious symptoms. As the fibrosis progresses and impairs liver function, symptoms can emerge. These may include fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal pain. In more advanced stages, complications can arise, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen), portal hypertension (increased pressure in the veins of the liver), and hepatic encephalopathy (brain dysfunction due to liver failure).

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of blood tests to assess liver function and identify the underlying cause, imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI, and sometimes a liver biopsy to confirm the presence and extent of fibrosis. Treatment for májzsugorodás focuses on addressing the underlying cause of liver injury to prevent further damage and progression. This may involve antiviral medications for hepatitis, lifestyle changes for NAFLD and alcoholic liver disease, or immunosuppressive therapy for autoimmune conditions. In cases of advanced liver disease, liver transplantation may be considered.