[Extrahepatic manifestations of chronic liver diseases]

Chronic liver diseases are commonly associated with extrahepatic disease manifestations. Liver cirrhosis, the end stage of chronic liver diseases of different etiologies, can result in severe neurological, renal and pulmonary complications. Hepatic encephalopathy plays an important socio-economic role, since it affects daily functioning and fitness to drive. During the clinical course of chronic viral hepatitis, many patients develop extrahepatic disease manifestations, which lead to significant morbidity and mortality. In particular, mixed cryoglobulinemia, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and polyarteriitis nodosa are strongly associated with chronic viral hepatitis. Most extrahepatic manifestations are due to immunological and lymphoproliferative pathomechanisms. Knowledge of extrahepatic disease manifestations is important for adequate medical care and risk assessment of patients with chronic liver diseases by insurance companies.