Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
11:30
A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
Published on: June 2, 2022
Diffuse hepatocellular calcification developing in a patient on chronic hemodialysis after ischemic hepatitis
Kazushi Kinjo1, Masaaki Yamashiro, Katsunari Akamine
1Department of Internal Medicine, Okinawa Prefectural Hokubu Hospital, Okinawa. keikinjo@cosmos.ne.jp
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|October 17, 2007
Summary
Diffuse hepatic calcification, a rare liver condition, was observed in a patient with end-stage renal disease following ischemic hepatitis. This case suggests chronic kidney disease may play a role in developing this liver complication.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Nephrology
- Pathology
Background:
- Diffuse hepatic calcification is a rare clinical finding.
- Previous literature links this condition to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and ischemic hepatitis.
- Ischemic hepatitis can result from shock, leading to liver damage.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old male patient undergoing chronic hemodialysis experienced shock due to ventricular tachycardia.
- This event precipitated ischemic hepatitis and subsequent progressive hepatic failure.
- Autopsy revealed diffuse hepatocellular calcification in the liver.
Findings:
- The patient presented with diffuse hepatic calcification, consistent with previous reports in ESRD patients.
- The liver exhibited diffuse hepatocellular calcification upon post-mortem examination.
- The development of diffuse hepatic calcification followed ischemic hepatitis induced by shock.
Implications:
- This case reinforces the association between end-stage renal disease and diffuse hepatic calcification.
- Chronic renal failure may be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of diffuse hepatic calcification.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms linking renal failure and hepatic calcification.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
01:24Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
DialyzersA hemodialysis (HD) dialyzer is a plastic cartridge containing thousands of parallel hollow fibers, which serve as semipermeable membranes. These fibers are typically made from cellulose-based or other synthetic materials. During HD, blood is pumped into the top of the cartridge and distributed among these fibers. Simultaneously, dialysis fluid, known as dialysate, is introduced into the bottom of the cartridge, bathing the outside of the fibers. Across the semipermeable membrane,...
01:24Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
01:25Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
01:25Hemodialysis I: Introduction
Hemodialysis (HD) is a medical treatment that artificially removes waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions effectively. In this process, blood is filtered through a semipermeable membrane, allowing for the selective removal of waste while preserving necessary components like blood cells and proteins. Hemodialysis is typically performed in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe kidney...