Alcoholic Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Pathology, Progression, and Cirrhosis

Introduction

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a spectrum of liver disorders caused by chronic alcohol consumption. It includes fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, with significant impact on liver function.

Pathophysiology

Chronic alcohol intake leads to oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatocyte damage, triggering progression from steatosis to cirrhosis.

Clinical Manifestations

Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Jaundice
• Abdominal pain
• Ascites

Diagnosis

Diagnosis includes liver function tests, imaging, and biopsy to assess fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Differential Diagnosis

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Viral hepatitis
• Autoimmune hepatitis

Progression and Cirrhosis

Untreated ALD advances to liver cirrhosis, leading to portal hypertension and liver failure.

Treatment

• Alcohol cessation
• Medications to reduce inflammation
• Liver transplantation for severe cases