Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
07:27
The Murine Choline-Deficient, Ethionine-Supplemented (CDE) Diet Model of Chronic Liver Injury
Published on: October 21, 2017
[Liver pathology in juvenile chronic polyarthritis]
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift
|September 3, 1977
Summary
Hepatomegaly, or enlarged liver, affects 25-50% of children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, especially during disease flares. Liver function impairment is common in these cases, necessitating consideration of complications like amyloidosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Hepatology
- Immunology
Context:
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) can present with systemic manifestations beyond joint involvement.
- Hepatomegaly is a significant extra-articular feature in a substantial proportion of pediatric JRA patients.
- Still's syndrome, a subtype of JRA, is frequently associated with hepatic involvement.
Purpose:
- To describe the prevalence and characteristics of hepatomegaly in children with JRA.
- To investigate the association between hepatomegaly, disease activity, and liver function in JRA.
- To differentiate JRA-associated liver disease from other hepatic conditions in children.
Summary:
- Hepatomegaly occurs in 25-50% of children with JRA, particularly in those with complete Still's syndrome.
- Enlarged liver size fluctuates with disease relapses and remissions.
- Liver function abnormalities, including elevated aminotransferases and impaired dye excretion, indicate hepatic dysfunction. Liver biopsies may reveal nonspecific inflammation or, rarely, autoimmune hepatitis or cirrhosis.
- Plasma cell hepatitis is distinguishable from JRA due to transient synovitis responsive to steroids.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of monitoring liver function in pediatric JRA patients.
- Suggests that severe liver dysfunction may correlate with arthritis remission.
- Emphasizes the need to consider amyloidosis in cases of chronic hepatomegaly in JRA.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Liver Histology
The microscopic anatomy of the liver is a complex and intricate system that comprises numerous structural units known as liver lobules, each of which is comparable in size to a sesame seed. These hexagonal structures consist of plates of liver cells or hepatocytes, which are characterized by their versatility and abundance of cellular apparatus like rough and smooth ER, Golgi apparatus, peroxisomes, and mitochondria.
Hepatocytes perform a variety of essential functions. They secrete...
Hepatocytes perform a variety of essential functions. They secrete...
01:26Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
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...
01:21Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis centers on injury to pancreatic acinar cells, which initiates a cascade of harmful intracellular events.This injury leads to premature activation of trypsinogen to trypsin in the pancreas. Trypsin then activates other digestive enzymes, such as chymotrypsin, elastase, and phospholipase A2, which begin breaking down pancreatic tissue. The resulting autodigestion causes local inflammation, tissue swelling, hemorrhage, and fat necrosis.Injured acinar cells...
01:21Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive and irreversible inflammation of the pancreas, most often caused by long-term alcohol abuse, but it can also be related to ductal obstruction, smoking, or genetic factors.Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is repeatedly exposed to harmful agents like alcohol, smoking, ductal obstruction, or genetic predisposition. These factors lead to the release of toxic metabolites and inflammatory cytokines, sustaining chronic inflammation in the pancreatic...