Location
Moultrie, GA
Start Date
9-5-2023 1:00 PM
End Date
9-5-2023 4:00 PM
Description
Background: Liver cirrhosis is among the most common causes of death in the United States. Cirrhosis can result from alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Advanced cases of liver cirrhosis may result in complications such as portal hypertension, hepatosplenomegaly, varices, and many others.
Case Presentation: This report describes a case of extensive liver cirrhosis found during the cadaveric dissection of a 71-year-old male. Observation revealed a slightly enlarged, cirrhotic liver with recanalization of the umbilical vein (of the round ligament). The patient also had significant splenomegaly, indicative of portal hypertension, and dilation of the left ureter. In developing countries, the leading cause of liver cirrhosis is schistosomiasis. Schistosomiasis has been shown to cause both liver cirrhosis and hydroureter (Genitourinary schistosomiasis, 2012). While this infection cannot be completely ruled out, the likelihood that this was the case in this cadaver is unlikely.
Discussion: Non-invasive and cost-effective options such as serum and imaging tests can prove useful in detecting liver pathology. Detection of early liver disease and intervention can decrease the incidence of advanced complications and prolong life (Smith et al. 2019). In the case of hydroureter, a parasitic infection can be ruled out by laboratory analysis of stool or urine samples by detecting the presence of parasitic eggs. Histological specimens of the liver, ureter, and urinary bladder can be taken to determine if parasitic eggs were present in either of these areas.
Conclusion: This cadaver reveals a classic presentation of portal hypertension that can lead to various secondary pathologies. This case study can be used as additional supporting evidence linking portal hypertension to splenomegaly, hydroureter, and liver cirrhosis.
Embargo Period
7-11-2023
Included in
Liver cirrhosis, hydroureter and splenomegaly in a cadaver : a case study
Moultrie, GA
Background: Liver cirrhosis is among the most common causes of death in the United States. Cirrhosis can result from alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Advanced cases of liver cirrhosis may result in complications such as portal hypertension, hepatosplenomegaly, varices, and many others.
Case Presentation: This report describes a case of extensive liver cirrhosis found during the cadaveric dissection of a 71-year-old male. Observation revealed a slightly enlarged, cirrhotic liver with recanalization of the umbilical vein (of the round ligament). The patient also had significant splenomegaly, indicative of portal hypertension, and dilation of the left ureter. In developing countries, the leading cause of liver cirrhosis is schistosomiasis. Schistosomiasis has been shown to cause both liver cirrhosis and hydroureter (Genitourinary schistosomiasis, 2012). While this infection cannot be completely ruled out, the likelihood that this was the case in this cadaver is unlikely.
Discussion: Non-invasive and cost-effective options such as serum and imaging tests can prove useful in detecting liver pathology. Detection of early liver disease and intervention can decrease the incidence of advanced complications and prolong life (Smith et al. 2019). In the case of hydroureter, a parasitic infection can be ruled out by laboratory analysis of stool or urine samples by detecting the presence of parasitic eggs. Histological specimens of the liver, ureter, and urinary bladder can be taken to determine if parasitic eggs were present in either of these areas.
Conclusion: This cadaver reveals a classic presentation of portal hypertension that can lead to various secondary pathologies. This case study can be used as additional supporting evidence linking portal hypertension to splenomegaly, hydroureter, and liver cirrhosis.
Comments
Presented by Teighlor Livingston.