Diffuse changes in the liver

Diffuse changes in the liver do not indicate a specific disease, but only indicate an increase in the liver parenchyma (the main tissue of the organ).

Changes in the parenchyma can be swelling, hypertrophic, sclerotic, dystrophic, but in any case, additional examination is required to establish an accurate diagnosis.

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Epidemiology

This condition occurs with liver dysfunction and can be detected at any age.

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Causes diffuse changes in the liver

Diffuse liver changes occur due to alcohol abuse, smoking, unhealthy diet, genetic abnormalities, taking strong drugs or antibiotics, especially over a long period.

Metabolic damage to the organ, viruses, autoimmune hepatitis, cirrhosis, sudden weight loss, and obesity also lead to changes in liver tissue.

Diffuse changes can occur not only in adults, but also in children as a result of jaundice, liver enlargement in some diseases.

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Pathogenesis

Diffuse changes in the liver indicate changes in liver tissue that can occur as a result of minor functional disorders or severe damage to the organ.

If diffuse changes are detected, it is recommended to undergo additional examination (both of the liver and other digestive organs) to determine how severely the organ is affected.

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Symptoms diffuse changes in the liver

It is also worth noting that such liver changes are almost asymptomatic. In rare cases, there is a slight pain in the right hypochondrium, heaviness, in some cases pain is felt in the right forearm, the skin around the eyes and sclera turn yellow.

Diffuse changes in the liver parenchyma, which are recorded by the ultrasound method of examination, can occur not only in primary liver disease, but also as a result of some pathological extrahepatic changes. For example, amyloidosis of the liver is quite possible in diabetes mellitus. In this case, the echographic picture will demonstrate an increase in the size of the liver due to all its lobes, an increase in the echogenicity of the liver tissue with attenuation in the deep sections, the manifestation of heterogeneity of the structure as an increase in the graininess of the image and a slight smoothing of the vascular pattern.

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Diffuse changes in the liver and pancreas

The liver, like the pancreas, is an unpaired organ that does not have a cavity and consists of tissue.

The digestive organs are connected by ducts, so in most cases, a malfunction of one organ affects the functioning of another.

Diffuse changes in the liver and pancreas can occur due to metabolic disorders, vascular diseases, and infectious diseases in acute or chronic form.

Liver dysfunction can be suspected by yellowing of the whites of the eyes, skin, dark urine, light-colored feces. If the liver is not functioning properly, itching of the skin may occur, as a large amount of bile enters the blood.

Changes in pancreatic tissue occur for various reasons: swelling, pancreatitis, lipomatosis (replacement of organ tissue with fat), tissue proliferation and scarring due to inflammation or metabolic disorders.

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Diffuse changes in the liver and kidneys

Diffuse changes in the liver and kidneys is a multifaceted concept and is not considered a primary diagnosis. This conclusion is made based on the results of an ultrasound examination.

In some diseases, the structure of the organ changes, in addition, such changes can be caused by congenital or acquired pathologies,

With diffuse changes, thickening of the parenchyma, enlargement or reduction of the sinuses, accumulation of fluid in the renal pelvis, purulent inflammation, and thrombosis are possible.

In some cases, changes in kidney tissue may be associated with the presence of kidney stones.

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Diffuse changes in the liver and spleen

Diffuse changes in the liver and spleen affect the entire organ.

The spleen is responsible for normal blood circulation, enriched blood flow; in case of diseases or dysfunction of the organ, weakness, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbances appear.

When the spleen enlarges due to malfunctions, pain and a feeling of pressure appear. An organ that is too enlarged in size can protrude strongly and press on adjacent organs. Often, a person confuses spleen diseases with dysfunction of the pancreas.

The spleen usually malfunctions due to improper or inadequate nutrition, as a result of which the required amount of nutrients and microelements does not enter the blood and the organ itself replenishes the deficiency of substances. But under such conditions, the work of the spleen is disrupted quite quickly, as a result of which changes in the tissue and structure of the organ begin.

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Diffuse changes in the liver parenchyma

Liver tissue has a homogeneous structure with low density. With diffuse changes in the parenchyma in the liver, blood vessels with bile ducts, the density of which is increased, are visible in the liver tissue during ultrasound examination.

Diffuse changes in the liver indicate a complete change in liver tissue, which can be associated with both serious pathologies and minor functional disorders in the organ.

The degree of liver parenchyma edema depends on the severity of the inflammatory process. With diffuse changes, the following diseases may be observed: obesity, liver cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, tumors, chronic hepatitis, cystic formations.

Parasites or viral infections, as well as poor nutrition, are also possible.

The onset of diffuse changes in the liver can provoke headaches, nausea, weakness, bitterness in the mouth, frequent mood swings, and irritability.

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Diffuse changes in liver structure

Diffuse changes in the liver are detected by ultrasound. Changes in structure can begin not only as a result of primary liver diseases, but also in pathologies not associated with the organ. For example, with diabetes mellitus, protein metabolism may be disrupted and deposits may appear in the liver.

In this case, the liver lobes increase in size, the density of the organ also increases, and in the deeper layers the structure of the organ loses its homogeneity.

The heterogeneous structure can be seen as small or large areas of varying density with pathological metabolic products (proteins, carbohydrates).

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Diffuse changes in liver tissue

Any negative influence on the liver causes changes in the diffuse tissue of the organ. Such changes can be caused by alcohol addiction, smoking, medications, hereditary abnormalities, as well as viruses and bacteria.

Often, diffuse changes in the liver are detected in combination with diseases of the pancreas, since these organs have interconnected ducts.

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Diffusely heterogeneous changes in liver structure

Diffuse changes in the liver, in which tissue heterogeneity appears, may be associated with obstruction of the gallbladder ducts, proliferation or reduction of connective tissue, or accumulation of certain substances in liver cells.

In case of liver heterogeneity, cirrhosis, calcifications, obstruction of the liver veins, hepatitis, and metabolic disorders (with obesity or diabetes mellitus) are usually diagnosed.

Quite often, with a non-uniform tissue structure, tubercles appear, connective tissue decreases or increases, and dystrophy of liver cells and bile ducts is not excluded.

The reasons for tissue changes may be related, as already mentioned, to poor, unhealthy nutrition, alcohol abuse, etc.

Most pathological conditions of the liver are detected by ultrasound examination.

To prescribe treatment, it is necessary to establish the underlying diagnosis that caused diffuse changes in the liver.

The liver is a unique human organ that has the ability to self-regenerate, but irreversible consequences lead to serious disruptions in the functioning of the organ.

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Diffuse dystrophic changes in the liver

Diffuse changes in the liver occur as a result of negative impacts on the body due to poor nutrition, diseases or other disruptions in the normal functioning of organs and systems.

Dystrophic changes lead to severe suppression of liver function. The cause of such changes are acute or chronic diseases of the organ.

In most cases, dystrophic changes in diffuse tissue occur due to the hepatitis virus. In some cases, such lesions are caused by poisoning (mushrooms, nitrates, etc.), the use of halothane, atofan.

Also, cirrhosis of the liver, inappropriate use of diuretics, sleeping pills or sedatives can lead to such changes.

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Diffuse changes in the walls of liver ducts

The liver consists of lobules, in the center of which veins and bile ducts pass. The ducts are necessary for collecting the produced bile, they pass through the entire liver and have closed ends.

Diffuse liver changes affect the entire organ, including the walls of the liver ducts. Changes in the walls of the ducts occur mainly for the same reasons as in the rest of the organ tissue (viruses, bacteria, unhealthy food, etc.).

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Diffuse changes in the liver in chronic cholecystitis

Diffuse changes in the liver in chronic cholecystitis occur quite often.

Chronic cholecystitis is characterized by a long-term inflammatory process in the gallbladder, sometimes with exacerbations. The disease is always secondary, developing as a result of biliary dyskinesia or congenital pathologies. Women suffer from cholecystitis more often (five times more often), especially those with light hair and those prone to obesity.

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Diffuse changes in the liver with hepatomegaly

Hepatomegaly is a pathological enlargement of the liver. The most common cause of this condition is poisoning with toxins or toxic substances. In this case, diffuse changes in the liver completely affect all tissues, and the organ is easily palpated under the ribs (with a healthy liver, it is extremely difficult to palpate the organ).

In addition, when pressing, pain is felt, which also indicates a malfunction of the liver. Hepatomegaly is not considered an independent disease, experts classify this condition as a symptom that indicates the need for urgent liver treatment.

The liver destroys and neutralizes toxic and poisonous substances that enter the body. Passing through the liver, toxins are removed from the body neutralized.

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Diffuse reactive changes in the liver

Diffuse changes in the liver are sometimes reactive in nature, in other words, when the liver is not functioning properly, a reaction of the pancreas is observed, which is expressed as reactive pancreatitis.

Such a conclusion during an ultrasound examination allows us to exclude neoplasms, tumors, stones, etc. with a high degree of probability. Ultrasound also shows focal lesions of tissue density.

Diffuse changes are not a diagnosis; they only indicate the need for additional examination.

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Diffuse focal changes in the liver

Diffuse liver changes affect the entire organ. During ultrasound, the doctor diagnoses tissue changes over the entire surface of the liver. In focal lesions of the organ, changes affect individual areas of the liver, in other words, ultrasound reveals foci of change on normal liver tissue.

In diffuse-focal changes, the doctor identifies individual foci on the affected liver tissue that differ from diffuse ones. Such changes occur in hepatitis accompanied by metastasis or abscess.

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Diffuse changes in the liver in a child

Diffuse changes in the liver may occur as a result of congenital pathologies (underdevelopment). Hepatitis during pregnancy may also be the cause (in such cases, termination of pregnancy is usually prescribed).

Changes in the liver of a child can begin as a result of treatment with antibiotics, which are extremely toxic drugs, and the baby’s body is not strong and developed enough.

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Diffuse changes in the liver in a newborn

Diffuse liver changes in newborns often occur as a result of congenital anomalies.

Also, the newborn's liver can be affected by the mother's illnesses during pregnancy and medications (especially antibiotics).

If diffuse changes in the liver are detected in a newborn, first of all, additional examination should be carried out (blood and urine tests); if necessary, a biochemical blood test, biopsy, and laparoscopy are prescribed.

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Forms

Minor diffuse changes in the liver

Minor diffuse changes in the liver are quite common.

The danger of changes occurring in the liver is determined by additional examination. When the liver is not functioning properly, the pancreas is almost always not functioning properly.

With diffuse changes, the hepatitis B and C virus causes great harm to the organ. With hepatitis, the liver is unable to cope with its function (neutralize toxins and poisons), which leads to its destruction. Often, this problem is aggravated by alcohol or drugs, which ultimately leads to death.

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Moderately diffuse liver changes

Moderate diffuse changes in the liver appear under the influence of external factors (poisoning, unhealthy food, etc.). In addition, viruses can have a negative impact on liver cells.

When changes in the liver begin (at any stage), it is first recommended to pay attention to nutrition, excluding fatty, sweet, salty, etc. dishes.

For viral infections, a course of antiviral drugs is prescribed; in severe cases, inpatient treatment is necessary.

If the liver has ceased to cope with its main task, especially due to alcohol or synthetic substances, blood purification is prescribed.

If moderate diffuse changes in the liver were detected after an ultrasound, you need to take a course of vitamins, which a weakened body needs.

Severe diffuse changes in the liver

The stronger the diffuse changes in the liver, the greater the parenchyma edema. Such changes begin, as already mentioned, with diabetes mellitus, obesity (fatty degeneration of the liver), chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, tumors or cysts (local changes).

Also, experts do not rule out parasites or viral infections, poor nutrition, or excessive alcohol consumption.

Treatment is prescribed after a complete examination and establishment of the underlying cause of diffuse changes.

Diagnostics diffuse changes in the liver

Diffuse liver changes are diagnosed mainly during ultrasound examination. However, it is almost impossible to establish the cause of the disease using ultrasound alone, and additional laboratory and instrumental tests are often required (general, biochemical blood and urine tests, biopsy, computed tomography).

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Echo signs of diffuse liver changes

Diffuse changes in the liver during ultrasound are expressed by reduced echo signs and increased sound conductivity.

During the examination, increased density of the liver structure and vascular fusion are visible.

Tissue density with diffuse changes is detected over the entire surface of the organ; in some cases, damage to individual areas of the liver is also diagnosed.

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Treatment diffuse changes in the liver

Since diffuse liver changes are a consequence of some disease, treatment depends on establishing the underlying cause of such changes. Any disease that a person has suffered affects the liver, in particular, minor or moderate diffuse changes may appear.

In case of diffuse changes, the specialist recommends changing the diet, quitting smoking, drinking alcohol. If the cause of the changes was an unhealthy lifestyle, the doctor prescribes diet table No. 5.

For viral diseases, antiviral drugs and hypoprotectors are prescribed to restore liver cells.

Traditional methods that help restore the liver can also be used. Often, chicory decoction, plum juice, pumpkin with honey, and herbal infusions are used to normalize liver function.

Milk thistle herb and agrimony root are widely used to treat the liver to prepare a decoction (1 tbsp. herb, 250 ml boiling water).

It is also recommended to take 1 tablespoon of pumpkin or olive oil on an empty stomach in the morning for a month. It is worth noting that during treatment it is important to follow a diet (exclude chocolate, fried, fatty, salty foods, soda, etc.).

Diet for diffuse liver changes

If the examination shows diffuse changes in the liver, “diet table No. 5” is prescribed, which is aimed at restoring the functioning of the liver, bile, and also has a gentle effect on the digestive system.

The diet provides the necessary amount of proteins, carbohydrates, and to some extent limits fats.

Food and drinks should only be consumed when warm or slightly hot.

Your overall well-being and recovery process depend on following a diet.

When detecting diffuse changes, first of all, it is necessary to exclude:

• fatty types of poultry (goose, duck), fish, meat
• fried pies
• fried, boiled eggs
• offal (kidneys, brains, etc.)
• mushroom, meat, fish broths
• fresh baked goods (including bread)
• okroshka
• milk and high-fat dairy products (cheese, sour cream, etc.)
• spicy, fried, canned, fatty, smoked foods
• cream cakes, chocolates and chocolate, ice cream
• green onions, spinach, radishes, mushrooms, garlic, sorrel
• sausages

Diet No. 5 includes:

• jam, honey
• yesterday's baked goods (including bread), baked pies
• berries and non-acidic fruits, jelly
• tea or coffee with milk, rosehip infusion
• fresh vegetable, berry, fruit
• mashed peas, vegetables (raw, boiled, stewed)
• protein omelet, soft-boiled egg (1 yolk per day)
• vegetable broths, lean soups, borscht, fruit soups
• low-fat fermented milk products (low-fat cheeses, acidophilus, yogurt, etc.) and milk
• lean meat (turkey, rabbit, pork, etc.), boiled sausages

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Prevention

Diffuse liver changes occur due to many reasons. For prevention, it is recommended to undergo regular preventive examinations, avoid contact with industrial, toxic substances, lead a healthy lifestyle and eat right.

It is also necessary to treat diseases in a timely manner and follow the doctor’s recommendations.

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Forecast

If diffuse changes in the liver are detected, the prognosis of this condition depends on the underlying disease that led to such consequences. If the liver tissues have changed as a result of poor nutrition, an unhealthy lifestyle, the prognosis will be favorable if the patient changes his lifestyle (quits smoking, alcohol, starts following a special diet).

In case of other causes, the prognosis depends on the underlying disease, its degree and the patient's condition.

Diffuse changes in the liver, as a rule, do not pose a serious threat to life and health. Usually, such processes begin to occur due to a person’s lifestyle, the habit of eating fast and unhealthy food and do not cause concern.

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