Here is a page from the Merck Manual:
http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hepatic_and_biliary_disorders/fibrosis_and_cirrhosis/cirrhosis.html
Immediately below is an excerpted statement that I frankly found surprising. Any comments or feedback are welcomed - thank you!!
PD
Quoting the Merck Manual:
"Clinical signs that suggest a chronic liver disorder or chronic alcohol use but ARE NOT SPECIFIC FOR CIRRHOSIS** include muscle wasting, palmar erythema, parotid gland enlargement, white nails, clubbing, Dupuytren's contracture, spider angiomas (< 10 may be normal), gynecomastia, axillary hair loss, testicular atrophy, and peripheral neuropathy."
** emphasis added.
This statement seems to suggest that one could be presenting with any or all of these symptoms - and yet still not be cirrhotic. Presumably it's saying that F3 status...a seriously damaged/fibrotic liver that's not yet cirrhotic...could present with any or all of these symptoms.
My question (to anyone on the forum):
Do you know this (above) to be an accurate statement?
Has anyone had such an experience verified by - or such a statement made by - their hepatologist?
Do you have a differing interpretation... and/or remarks?
Many thanks! PD