Clinical clues to the diagnosis of cirrhosis

Cirrhosis, a diffuse process of fibrosis and regenerative nodule formation, is a histologic diagnosis. It has a unique constellation of clinical features whose identification can aid in the clinical diagnosis. Clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic to decompensated state which includes ascites, jaundice, variceal bleed, and hepatic encephalopathy. Signs of chronic liver disease or hepatocellular failure are important clues for a physician making the diagnosis of cirrhosis. Overall, clinical assessment has a high specificity for diagnosis of cirrhosis.