Question

Explain the etiologies of Cirrhosis using "VW HAPPENS."

Answer 1

Cirrhosis can be caused by various factors represented by 'VW HAPPENS' acronym, including viral hepatitis, Wilson's disease, hepatic encephalopathy, alcoholism, primary hepatocellular carcinoma, presence of metastatic cancers, Edmundson-Johnson syndrome, repeated chronic hepatic congestion, and swollen liver.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cirrhosis is a condition characterized by the formation of fibrous tissue in the liver, replacing dead liver cells. There are several etiologies or causes of cirrhosis, represented by the acronym 'VW HAPPENS':

1. Viral hepatitis (e.g. Hepatitis B or C)
2. Wilson's disease (hereditary disease causing copper retention)
3. Hepatic encephalopathy (neuropsychiatric abnormality in liver failure)
4. Alcoholism (excessive alcohol intake)
5. Primary hepatocellular carcinoma or Presence of metastatic cancers in the liver
6. Edmundson-Johnson syndrome (severe skin reaction to medications)
7. Repeated chronic hepatic congestion (due to heart failure)
8. Sclerosing cholangitis (inflammation and fibrosis of bile ducts)
9. Swollen liver (e.g. due to fatty liver disease)