Alternative Names
Ischemic hepatitis; Shock liver
Definition of Hepatic ischemia
Hepatic ischemia is a condition in which the liver does not get enough blood or oxygen, causing injury to liver cells.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
from any condition can lead to hepatic ischemia. Such conditions may include:
Symptoms
If low blood pressure continues for a long time, you may feel weak and lightheaded. However, the period of low blood pressure may be brief and produce no symptoms. Damage to the liver cells usually does not cause symptoms.
Signs and tests
The following tests will be done:
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Low blood pressure and blood clots must be properly treated.
Expectations (prognosis)
Patients generally recover if the illness causing hepatic ischemia can be treated. Death from liver failure due to hepatic ischemia is very rare.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 7/7/2010
