Liver Diseases Most Recent
![](https://www.healthplexus.net/sites/default/files/0307hep_icon.png)
With the rapidly increasing numbers of elders in North American Society, the prevalence of those living with dementia is clearly on the increase.
![](https://www.healthplexus.net/sites/default/files/Barry-Goldlist_11.jpg)
When I started out in medicine, differentiating between the various causes of hepatobiliary disease was extraordinarily difficult. It is not easy now, but modern imaging techniques have certainly helped us dramatically.
![](https://www.healthplexus.net/sites/default/files/gallstones.jpg)
The prevalence of gallstones has been increasing among the aging population. Common sequelae of cholelithiasis include asymptomatic gallstones, biliary colic, acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, cholangitis, and gallstone pancreatitis.
![](https://www.healthplexus.net/sites/default/files/livertest.jpg)
The prevalence of chronic liver disease is increasing in older people. The presentation of these diseases is often asymptomatic or nonspecific, so they easily go undiagnosed.
![](https://www.healthplexus.net/sites/default/files/agingliver.jpg)
The liver undergoes substantial changes in structure and function in old age. There are age-related changes in liver mass, blood flow, and hepatocyte and sinusoidal cell morphology.
Ascites is the accumulation of free fluid in the peritoneal cavity. In over 80% of cases, it is a result of cirrhosis.
Advertisement
MD, FRCPC, FACP, AGSF
MD, CCFP, FCFP, FRCPC
This article will review the epidemiology, etiology, presentation, diagnosis, management and prevention of acute viral hepatitis (Types A, B and C), with specific reference to the elderly population.