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At 53, why do I have a sudden alteration in liver structure?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 53-year-old male. Before a year, I had painless jaundice. My MRCP report showed a mass on the head of the pancreas. My endoscopic USG showed a stricture in CBD and so a stent was inserted. My bilirubin came down and Whipple procedure was planned. As my TSH was more than 20 mIU/L, it was postponed. My USG guided endoscopic biopsy revealed chronic inflammation without carcinoma. Subsequently, I developed symptoms of cholangitis due to stent block. So permanent metallic stent was placed. After that, I developed post ERCP pancreatitis.

Then it was treated conservatively. Three months back, I developed ascites and my USG showed portal vein thrombosis. I had loose stools and it stopped after taking Cholestyramine. I took a USG doppler ten days back. It showed cirrhosis. My LFT is normal except for serum albumin. Previously, all the imaging showed me a normal liver architecture. Within a month, it shows a cirrhotic picture. What is the reason for having a sudden alteration in liver structure?

Answered by Dr. Arbab Muhammad Kashif Khan

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Arbab Muhammad Kashif Khan is a skilled Medical Gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive and liver disorders. His expertise includes managing conditions such as acid reflux, hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and pancreatitis. With a patient-centered and evidence-based approach, Dr. Khan is dedicated to improving gastrointestinal health and enhancing the overall well-being of his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You can have two possibilities. You can have long biliary obstruction due to CBD (common bile duct) compression. It can lead to cirrhosis causing biliary cirrhosis. Any abdominal infection can cause portal vein thrombosis. It leads to have a nodular texture in the liver and portal cavernoma.

Investigations to be done

You need to do tests for knowing the levels of creatinine and electrolytes. Do ascitic fluid routine examination, serum albumin, and ascites gradient. Do HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) or Anti HCV (anti-hepatitis C virus). Do PT (prothrombin time).

Differential diagnosis

You can have portal cavernoma.

Treatment plan

You can take tablet Carvedilol 6.25 mg once daily. Adjust diuretic dose. Do upper GI endoscopy and variceal banding if needed.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At June 23, 2020
Reviewed At May 11, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Arbab Muhammad Kashif Khan is a skilled Medical Gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive and liver disorders. His expertise includes managing conditions such as acid reflux, hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and pancreatitis. With a patient-centered and evidence-based approach, Dr. Khan is dedicated to improving gastrointestinal health and enhancing the overall well-being of his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Arbab Muhammad Kashif Khan is a skilled Medical Gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive and liver disorders. His expertise includes managing conditions such as acid reflux, hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and pancreatitis. With a patient-centered and evidence-based approach, Dr. Khan is dedicated to improving gastrointestinal health and enhancing the overall well-being of his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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