LIVER, DISEASES OF TIIE. Congestion of the liver is one of the most frequent of its morbid conditions. It is most commonly caused by obstruction to the passaF,,e of the blood from the hepatic veins, arising from thoracic disease impeding the circulation through the right side of the heart. The congestion may be relieved at this stage, or may, by its obstructive action, cause congestion of the portal branches. in which case we have the liver much enlarged, the complexion dusky, the urine high colored, sedi mentary, and scanty, and often more or less dropsy of the abdomen or lower extremities. The treatment must be left entirely to the physician.
Inflammation of the liver has been already noticed in the article HEPArms.
Another iinportant affection of the liver is that which is known by the name of cir rhosis (Gr. Icirrhos, yellowish). It begins as an inflammatory affection, in which lymph (see INFLAMMATION) is effused in the areolar tissue surrounding the branches of the por tal vein. The smaller branches become obliterated by the pressure, and as the lymph subsequently contracts, larger branches of the veins and ducts become strang-ulated, and the surface of the organ assumes the uneven or bossed appearance known as hobnailed. In this affection, the liver is at first somewhat enlarged, but as the contraction of the effusion goes on, it at length becomes considerably- smaller than the natural size. The ordinary cause of this disease is spirit-drinking, and it is popularly known as the gin drinker's liver. The obstruction to the portal circulation occasions the effusion of serum
into the peritoneal cavity; and this effusion often goes on so rapidly as soon to force up the diaphragm and impede respiratiou. The lower extremities soon becotne anasareous, but the arms and face are never affected. The portal obstruction often also gives rise to hemorrhage from the bowels or stomach.
In a fully developed case of cirrhosis, the liver is so altered in structure that pallia tive treatment is all that cau be attempted. This must be directed to the relief of the dropsy, and if medicines fail to remove or diminish it, temporary relief may be obtained by tapping. The disease is at best a very hopeless one.
Amongst the other affections of this organ are the fatty liver. The liver in this case is much enlarged, of a white color, aud rounded at the edges; it is most commonly found associated with phthisis. Closely allied to this is the lardaceoms or wa.ry liver, in. which the deposited matter is not fat, but something between fat and albumen; it chiefly occurs in scrofulous young persons. Tubercle, different forms of cancer, and. hydatids (q.v.) are not unfrequently found in this organ. In connection with the pres ent subject, the reader is referred to the article JAUNDICE.