1 Clinical evaluation of liver disease

Abstract

The clinical history and examination is essential in the evaluation of patients with liver disease. This chapter details important points in the clinical history and examination allowing the physician to identify likely causes of liver damage and their investigation. The evaluation should allow the physician to differentiate acute and chronic liver diseases, and in the latter case separate those with obstructive or chronic parenchymal liver disease. It should also allow identification of important complications such as encephalopathy, ascites and portal hypertension. Identification of these main features or complications of liver disease by the clinical evaluation leads to a logical plan of investigation and prompt diagnosis and management of the liver disease.