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Hepatic ischemia

Definition

Hepatic ischemia is a condition in which the liver does not get enough blood or oxygen, causing injury to liver cells.

Alternative Names

Ischemic hepatitis; Shock liver

Causes

Low blood pressure from any condition can lead to hepatic ischemia. Such conditions may include:

Other causes may include:

  • Blood clots in the main artery to the liver (hepatic artery) after a liver transplant
  • Swelling of blood vessels leading to reduced blood flow (vasculitis)

Symptoms

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.

Blood clots in the liver's main artery may cause abdominal pain.

Exams and Tests

The following tests will be done:

  • Blood tests to check liver function (AST and ALT )
  • Doppler ultrasound of the liver's blood vessels

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Low blood pressure and blood clots must be properly treated.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Patients generally recover if the illness causing hepatic ischemia can be treated. Death from liver failure due to hepatic ischemia is very rare.

Possible Complications

Liver failure is a rare but life-threatening complication.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

See your health care provider right away if you have persistent weakness or symptoms of shock or dehydration.

Prevention

Quickly treating the causes of low blood pressure may prevent hepatic ischemia.

References

Jain R, Thiele DL. Gastrointestinal and hepatic manifestations of systemic diseases. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 35.

Hauser SC. Vascular diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 146.

Review Date: 7/7/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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