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Hepatic ischemia is a condition in which the liver does not get enough blood or oxygen, causing injury to liver cells.
Alternative NamesIschemic hepatitis; Shock liver
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsLow blood pressure from any condition can lead to hepatic ischemia. Such conditions may include:
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Dehydration
- Heart failure
- Infection
- Severe bleeding
Other causes may include:
- Large blood clots in the main artery to the liver (hepatic artery) after a transplant
- Swelling of blood vessels (vasculitis)
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 testsBlood levels of liver enzymes, such as AST and ALT, typically rise 1 - 3 days after the episode of low blood pressure. Levels of another enzyme in the blood, LDH, are also usually high.
TreatmentTreatment depends on the cause of the low blood pressure. Low blood pressure must be treated so that the liver receives enough blood. The illness causing the problem must also be 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.
ComplicationsLiver failure is a rare but life-threatening complication.
Calling your health care providerSee your health care provider right away if you have persistent weakness or symptoms of shock or dehydration.
PreventionQuickly treating the causes of low blood pressure may prevent hepatic ischemia.
ReferencesJain R, Thiele D. Gastrointestinal and hepatic manifestations of systemic diseases. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 34.
What else can I help you with?
ALT elevations?
significant...hepatitis, hepatic necrosis, hepatic ischemia, shock liver.....moderate elevation: cirrhosis, obstruction....mild: pancreatitis, mono, shock, drugs
What veins drain the liver?
hepatic
Does ligation of hepatic artery cause hepatic infarction?
no
What is unusual about the hepatic portal vein?
The hepatic portal vein in frogs is unusual in that it is divided into two portals, the hepatic and the renal. In higher vertebrates, the hepatic portal system is the only one present.
Where does the blood within the hepatic sinusoids drain into the vein?
The blood within the hepatic sinusoids drains into the hepatic vein.
What organ does hepatic refer to?
Hepatic refers to the liver.
What is A vein that sends blood to hepatic capillaries?
hepatic portal vein
Why does the hepatic vein contain more glucose before eating?
After eating, glucose is greater in the hepatic portal vein than in the hepatic vein . Hepatic vein contain more glucose before eating, because the stomach is empty .
What vessels bring blood to liver?
bawbeg vessel
What is a hepatic triad and what does it consists of?
A portal triad is comprised of a hepatic artery, a hepatic portal vein and a bile duct. There is also a nerve that accompanies each triad.
Where is the hepatic flexure located?
The hepatic flexure lies in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen.
What is the mean of hepatic?
Hepatic is referring to the liver. For another example, your kidneys are referred to as "renal".
