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cirrhosis
(sĭ-ro´sis)
a liver disease (actually a group of chronic diseases) characterized by loss of the normal microscopic lobular architecture
and regenerative replacement of necrotic parenchymal tissue with fibrous bands of connective tissue that eventually constrict
and partition the organ into irregular nodules. It has a lengthy latent period, usually followed by sudden abdominal pain
and swelling with hematemesis, dependent edema, or jaundice. In advanced stages there may be ascites, pronounced jaundice, portal hypertension, and central nervous system disorders that may end in hepatic coma. adj., cirrhot´ic., adj.
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