The liver is responsible for many processes occurring in the body. Its functions include control of fats and glucose, saturation of blood with useful enzymes, neutralization of toxins coming from outside. When exposed to external adverse factors, as well as due to internal disorders in the body, various changes may occur in the liver tissues.
What is diffuse liver change?
Normally, the liver parenchyma (the main functional tissue consisting of hepatocytes) is a homogeneous, weakly echogenic structure, among which bile ducts and blood vessels are well distinguished.
Diffuse changes in the structure of the liver indicate that the parenchyma is completely altered. Moreover, it can characterize both insignificant functional changes (moderate diffuse changes in the liver parenchyma) and very serious lesions (parenchyma of increased liver echogenicity).
Diffuse change can have a different character. Thus, the following types of changes are distinguished:
- fibrous;
- sclerotic;
- hypertrophic;
- dystrophic;
- swelling.
Diffuse steatosis of the liver is a disease associated with a metabolic disorder in the hepatocytes. As a result, dystrophic changes in the liver are observed, and fat accumulation takes place in the hepatic cells.
With ultrasound, there is a uniform increase in the liver, a diffuse increase in its echogenicity (the intensity of the reflected ultrasound signal) while maintaining the uniformity of its structure. With further progression of the process, the "granularity" of the parenchyma appears, which indicates the onset of the development of steatohepatitis and hepatitis.
Causes of diffuse liver changes
Changes in liver tissue can occur for various reasons, since there are many factors that have a negative impact on this organ. These include:
- alcohol abuse;
- taking medicines;
- metabolic disorders;
- the use of poor-quality food products;
- hereditary pathologies, etc.
Not always diffuse changes in the parenchyma of the liver indicate a disease. But in some cases they can be the consequence of the following pathologies:
- viral hepatitis;
- alcoholic hepatitis ;
- fatty degeneration of the liver;
- chronic hepatitis;
- cirrhosis;
- cholangitis , etc.
Signs of diffuse liver changes
Diffuse changes in liver tissues can begin without any clinical symptoms, without disturbing a person. Often the changes are recorded during a preventive examination, involving ultrasound diagnosis.
The liver, due to its size and density, fairly well reflects ultrasonic waves, so it is well scanned with ultrasound. Echographic signs (echoes) of diffuse liver changes are the following manifestations found during the study:
- heterogeneous fabric structure;
- increased parenchyma echolarsity;
- the presence of sites of reduced and increased echogenicity;
- increased liver size;
- change the pattern of blood vessels.
Treatment of diffuse liver changes
Treatment of diffuse changes is carried out after clarifying the exact cause that led to
- blood test;
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- angiography;
- histological examination of liver tissue, etc.
In addition to examining the liver, it may be necessary to diagnose all digestive organs.
Methods of treatment depend on the results of diagnostic activities. In some cases, only compliance with the diet and avoidance of bad habits will be required, in others - taking medications and even surgical interventions.