Question 1

can decompensated cirrhosis be seen on imaging?

Accepted Answer

Depends: it depends on your definition of decompensated cirrhosis, since cirrhosis itself is a de-compensated condition by definition. Liver function tests( blood draw), ultrasound, and specific types of scans( fibroscan, MRI, CT) can add to the picture. See you internal medicine doc for more specific info, or contact us here at HealthTap for a live consultation

Question 2

i have decompensated cirrhosis. how long to live?

Accepted Answer

Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is an end-stage liver condition that affects many aspect of liver function. Although the longevity is adversely affected, it is hard to define exact expected survival. Here is more on cirrhosis: http://www.Laendo.Net/english/cirrhosis-58020983.

Question 3

i am in decompensated cirrhosis with ascites present in liver area in the past. yet my blood counts are within normal range. is this possible?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If you have cirrhosis but not to the extent of liver failure you can have ascitesaybevbotvto the extent as full blown liver failure but you can still have ascites.

Question 4

sorafenib decreased platelet count of my father at 72 who's diabetic, diagnosed with hcc & decompensated liver cirrhosis & now unable to take sorafenib?

Accepted Answer

My friend,: ..You paint a very bleak picture. Your dad is elderly and his bad cirrhosis makes it likely that any treatment for his hcc will cause more harm than good. I would respectfully suggest that you guys start focusing on confort measures rather than additional therapy. Of course, I do not know all the details so this is a conversation to have with his treating oncologist. Best to both.

Question 5

would a contrast ct scan with barium swallow pick up decompensated liver cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

It should: Oral contrast and intravenous contrast is needed to evaluate if there's compensation of the liver. Ultrasound also can show blood flow direction to further help in evaluating the liver

Question 6

can a decompensated liver from cirrhosis ever return to a compensated state? i've heard varying answers!

Accepted Answer

Yes.: Not uncommon to have varying answers. Cirrhosis is scar and does not improve. However, function may improve slightly and the addition of medications could turn a decompensated state into a compensated state.

Question 7

i'm confused! i have cirrhosis & had symptoms of decompensation. can you go from decompensated back to compensated? one dr said yes..another said no!

Accepted Answer

Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis an end stage condition of the liver is usually not reversible. Unless the initial diagnosis was incorrect, it is unlikely to be reversible without a liver transplant.

Question 8

does alcoholic cirrhosis present/look differently from other cirrhosis causes? is it more difficult to diagnose? i mean decompensated not compensated

Accepted Answer

Diagnosed on history: One factor that makes it subtle is that the liver enzymes reflect only recent drinking, fibrosis reflects long-term drinking. So it may be overdiagnosed or missed. When it decomensates, the patient will know and testing may even be moot.

Question 9

does the presence of ascites in cirrhosis always indicate the patient is in a decompensated state?

Accepted Answer

Not exactly: It indicates the severity of disease process, but can be created at variable rate (/volume) depending on compliance w/meds and diet (salt excess a big one). True decompensation usually w/ascites and jaundice (yellow appearance to skin / sclera).

Question 10

in cirrhosis if you have experienced decompensation e.g. ascites..can you go from decompensated back to a compensated stage? i'm confused on this pt!

Accepted Answer

Uncommon but possibl: Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver due to persistent injury.  The causes of cirrhosis are multiple, including alcohol, obesity, viral hepatitis, autoimmune diseases.  Decompensation means that there are significant complications, such as ascites, jaundice, confusion, kidney failure and cancer.  In rare cases where the cause is removed, the liver can recover.  I recommend you to see a hepatologist.

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Doctor answers about:

Decompensated cirrhosis

A member asked:

Can decompensated cirrhosis be seen on imaging?

A member asked:

I have decompensated cirrhosis. how long to live?

A member asked:

I am in decompensated cirrhosis with ascites present in liver area in the past. yet my blood counts are within normal range. is this possible?

A member asked:

Sorafenib decreased platelet count of my father at 72 who's diabetic, diagnosed with hcc & decompensated liver cirrhosis & now unable to take sorafenib?

A member asked:

Would a contrast ct scan with barium swallow pick up decompensated liver cirrhosis?

A member asked:

Can a decompensated liver from cirrhosis ever return to a compensated state? i've heard varying answers!

A member asked:

I'm confused! i have cirrhosis & had symptoms of decompensation. can you go from decompensated back to compensated? one dr said yes..another said no!

A member asked:

Does alcoholic cirrhosis present/look differently from other cirrhosis causes? is it more difficult to diagnose? i mean decompensated not compensated

A member asked:

Does the presence of ascites in cirrhosis always indicate the patient is in a decompensated state?

A member asked:

In cirrhosis if you have experienced decompensation e.g. ascites..can you go from decompensated back to a compensated stage? i'm confused on this pt!

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