Final answer:
Cirrhosis is a diffuse fibrotic process of the liver caused by factors like viral hepatitis, alcoholism, and exposure to liver-toxic chemicals. It results in a progressive loss of liver function and can lead to complications like ascites, portal hypertension, hepatic encephalopathy, and ultimately the need for a liver transplant if it progresses to chronic liver failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The diffuse fibrotic process that involves the entire liver is referred to as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is characterized by the formation of fibrous tissue in the liver, replacing dead liver cells that can die due to various causes, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholism, or exposure to other liver-toxic chemicals. As the disease progresses, it leads to a decline in liver function, with potential complications like ascites, portal hypertension, and hepatic encephalopathy. Chronic liver failure often results when cirrhosis is left untreated, with the only definitive treatment in advanced cases being a liver transplant.
Moreover, cirrhosis can cause complications such as portal hypertension due to obstruction of blood flow through the scarred liver, leading to blood bypassing the liver and returning to the heart without undergoing detoxification. The liver damage from cirrhosis can be further compounded by other conditions such as haemochromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes iron accumulation, or the development of liver cancers like hepatocellular carcinoma.
In summary, cirrhosis is a severe and often irreversible condition that requires careful management to slow its progression and mitigate complications. While fatty liver disease can also affect liver function, it differs from cirrhosis in that it is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fats in the liver. Diseases such as Wilson's disease and conditions including nephrosis and severe hypoproteinemia can also impact liver health, potentially contributing to or complicating existing cirrhosis.