Definition of Cirrhosis:

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function as a result of chronic liver disease.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Cirrhosis is caused by chronic liver disease. Common causes of chronic liver disease in the U.S. include:

• Hepatitis C infection
• Long-term alcohol abuse (see alcoholic liver disease)

Other causes of cirrhosis include:

• Autoimmune inflammation of the liver
• Disorders of the drainage system of the liver (the biliary system)
• Hepatitis B
• Medications
• Metabolic disorders of iron and copper (hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease)