Introduction
Cryptogenic cirrhosis is a condition where the liver function gets impaired and is an irreversible liver disease caused by scarring of the liver. As the liver is a part of the digestive system, it breaks down food, stores energy, and removes waste products and toxins. The body can repair minor damage to the liver. In severe or long-term damage cases, normal liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue.
There are often no symptoms in individuals with early stages of cryptogenic cirrhosis as the liver has enough normal tissue to function. When more of the liver is replaced by scar tissue, signs and symptoms become apparent. Individuals who are affected might experience weakness, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, swelling, nausea, blood vessels getting enlarged and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice).
There can be high blood pressure in the vein in individuals with cryptogenic cirrhosis that supplies blood to the liver. There can be type 2 diabetes due to cryptogenic cirrhosis, although the mechanism is unclear.
What Is the Difference between Cryptogenic Cirrhosis vs Cirrhosis?
The main differences between cryptogenic cirrhosis and cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) are:
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Cryptogenic cirrhosis affected more females, whereas HCV cirrhosis affected more males.
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Individuals with cryptogenic cirrhosis were also more likely to have metabolic syndrome and other health conditions than individuals with HCV cirrhosis.
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Individuals with cryptogenic cirrhosis were more likely to be overweight and obese than individuals with HCV cirrhosis.
What Are Signs and Symptoms of Cryptogenic Cirrhosis?
Cryptogenic cirrhosis symptoms are similar to those of other types of cirrhosis.
Symptoms may not be apparent at first. As the condition progresses, there may be symptoms such as:
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Weakness.
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Fatigue.
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Abdominal swelling and swelling.
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Unintentional weight loss.
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Loss of appetite.
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Bruising.
What Causes Cryptogenic Cirrhosis?
The exact cause of cryptogenic cirrhosis is not known, but certain conditions are linked to this disease. A condition that is frequently associated with cryptogenic cirrhosis is known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Thus, NAFLD will develop from the buildup of fat in the liver. It is not related to alcohol use, and they typically have no symptoms, so they are easy to miss. When NAFLD is not diagnosed, it can lead to cryptogenic cirrhosis.
Other potential causes of cryptogenic cirrhosis are:
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Autoimmune hepatitis.
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Genetic mutations.
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Undiagnosed viral hepatitis and alcohol-related liver disease.
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Celiac disease.
What Are the Risk Factors for Cryptogenic Cirrhosis?
The risk factors of Cryptogenic Cirrhosis are:
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Females are more affected than males.
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Being older than 60 years.
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Being overweight or obese.
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Having metabolic syndrome or related health conditions.
How Is Cryptogenic Cirrhosis Diagnosed?
Laboratory testing for cryptogenic cirrhosis should include viral hepatitis studies, quantitative immunoglobulin levels, autoimmune profiles, iron studies, alpha-1- antitrypsin phenotype and level, Wilson disease markers, and celiac disease markers.
Aminotransferase levels, such as AST and ALT, are typically only mildly elevated or normal in those with cryptogenic cirrhosis. The doctor will first establish that the individual has cirrhosis to diagnose cryptogenic cirrhosis. A definitive diagnosis will require a biopsy, so a liver biopsy or imaging tests like a liver MRI will be required. Doctors will run multiple tests to determine the cause of cirrhosis. If these tests turn out to be negative, they will diagnose cryogenic cirrhosis.
What Are the Treatment Options for Cryptogenic Cirrhosis?
Treatment for cryptogenic cirrhosis focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. It may include lifestyle strategies such as weight loss exercise, physical exercise, a healthy diet, medication, and liver transplantation. Transplantation is the definitive treatment for cryptogenic cirrhosis.
What Is the Differential Diagnosis for Cryptogenic Cirrhosis?
Diseases that can be differentially diagnosed for cryptogenic cirrhosis are other etiologies of cirrhosis. It includes alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis B and C, autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, etc. A complete history and physical exam with laboratory and imaging tests, are required to detect cirrhosis.
What Are the Complications of Cryptogenic Cirrhosis?
The complications of cryptogenic cirrhosis are:
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Hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Hepatopulmonary syndrome.
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Hepatorenal syndrome.
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Variceal bleeding.
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Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
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Ascites.
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Hepatic encephalopathy.
Additional potential complications of cryptogenic cirrhosis are renal disease, heart disease, and other potential complications of diabetes, such as retinopathy. Additional complications will depend on the underlying etiology of cryptogenic cirrhosis.
How Long Can One Live With Cryptogenic Cirrhosis?
If the individual has cryptogenic cirrhosis, the outlook depends on the following:
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The severity of the condition.
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Whether the individual has complications.
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Whether the individual had a liver transplant.
According to the 2019 review, the overall 3-year survival rate for individuals with cryptogenic cirrhosis who received a liver transplant is around 79 percent. It’s lower for individuals without a liver transplant. Individuals living with cryptogenic cirrhosis can be challenged both physically and emotionally. The doctor will recommend that the individual exercise and change their diet regularly. Initially, these changes can be difficult to keep up with.
Conclusion
Cryptogenic cirrhosis is the scarring of the liver where the cause is not known. They may not cause any symptoms at first, but they appear as scarring progresses. Treatment will include lifestyle strategies, medications, and liver transplantation.
