ABSTRACT
One of the penalties of long-standing alcohol abuse is the development of liver damage and there is now ample evidence that the mortality rate from cirrhosis is between seven and thirteen times higher amongst alcoholics than those who do not drink to excess. Fatty infiltration of the liver is the earliest lesion which can be detected and probably results from interference by alcohol with hepatic triglyceride metabolism. Rupture of liver cells can occur with coalescence to form fat cysts, and these may excite an inflammatory reaction leading to lipogranulomata. Uncomplicated fatty liver is generally considered to be a benign condition readily reversible when alcohol is withdrawn. Patients with alcoholic hepatitis classically present with fever, anorexia, malaise, upper abdominal pain and frequently become deeply jaundiced.
