Cirrhosis - Causes

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A 2000 study further suggested that both hemochromatosis patients and their relatives who carry the trait are at higher risk for cirrhosis. Elevated iron levels, even in the absence of this disease, have been associated with liver scarring, particularly when accompanied by other risk factors for cirrhosis, including hepatitis, NASH, and, alcoholism.

Other Causes of Cirrhosis

Inherited Diseases. Cirrhosis can be caused by several inherited diseases, including:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
• Galactosemia
• Glycogen storage diseases
• Wilson's disease

Other Rare Causes. Rare causes of cirrhosis include:

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• Schistosomiasis, caused by a parasite found in the Far East, Africa, and South America.
• Small intestine bypass surgery (rarely, if ever, performed anymore).
• Long-term or high level exposure to certain chemicals and drugs can cause cirrhosis, including arsenic, methotrexate, and toxic doses of vitamin A.

Changes That Resemble Cirrhosis

Cancers that have metastasized to the liver, blood clots in the hepatic or portal vein, or obstructions in the bile duct can cause changes that resemble cirrhosis.

Review Date: 08/18/2006
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.