Hepatic Circulation in Cirrhosis of the Liver

Abstract

The hepatic blood flow (EHBF) was estimated by the bromsulfalein method in 39 cirrhotic patients. In 91 normal subjects hepatic blood flow averaged 1530 ml. per minute, and in the cirrhotics, hepatic blood flow averaged 1090 ml. per minute. In association with this highly significant reduction in blood flow, hepatic arteriovenous oxygen difference increased and bromsulfalein extraction fell. These findings indicate that hepatic blood flow tends to decrease more than oxidative metabolism of residual functional cells, so that relative ischemia and hypoxia of active liver tissue develop in cirrhotic disease.