Name of the Condition

• Infarction of liver
• Also known as hepatic infarction.

Summary

• Hepatic infarction is a rare condition where a portion of the liver tissue dies due to inadequate blood supply.

Causes

• Typically results from occlusion or blockage of the hepatic artery or its branches.
• Conditions that may lead to hepatic infarction include thrombosis, embolism, liver trauma, or complications from liver surgery.

Risk Factors

• Conditions such as hypercoagulability, atherosclerosis, previous liver surgery, and trauma.
• Risk increases with vascular anomalies or conditions that can cause embolism or thrombosis.

Symptoms

• Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and jaundice.
• Symptoms can be vague and depend on the site and extent of the infarction.

Diagnosis

• Blood tests to evaluate liver function.
• Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI to detect areas of reduced blood supply and tissue death.
• Sometimes confirmed with biopsy.

Treatment Options

• Managed with pain control and supportive care.
• Address underlying causes such as anticoagulation for thrombosis.
• Surgical intervention may be required in severe cases.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Prognosis depends on the extent of liver tissue affected and underlying cause.
• Regular monitoring of liver function tests.
• Follow-up care to manage and treat any underlying conditions.

Complications

• Potential for liver failure if significant liver tissue is affected.
• Complications related to underlying causes like thrombosis or embolism can arise.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• No specific lifestyle changes can prevent hepatic infarction.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help reduce the risk of vascular diseases.
• Regular monitoring and management of conditions like atherosclerosis or clotting disorders are essential.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek immediate medical attention for severe abdominal pain, jaundice, or unexplained fever, especially with a history of liver disease or vascular disorders.

Additional Resources

• American Liver Foundation: https://liverfoundation.org
• Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure correct code assignment by confirming the diagnosis with imaging or biopsy reports.
• Be aware of coding guidelines for underlying conditions causing the infarction.
• Common errors include misclassification of other hepatic conditions; ensure specific documentation of infarction.