Ballooning degeneration

Ballooning degeneration is a form of liver cell death, often associated with viral hepatitis and alcoholic hepatitis. It is characterized by the swelling of hepatocytes, which are the primary functional cells of the liver.

Pronunciation

The term is pronounced as /bəˈluːnɪŋ dɪˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃ(ə)n/.

Etymology

The term "ballooning" is derived from the English word "balloon", referring to the swollen appearance of the affected cells. "Degeneration" comes from the Latin word "degenerare", meaning "to become worse".

Pathogenesis

In ballooning degeneration, the hepatocytes become swollen and their cytoplasm becomes pale. This is due to an accumulation of water, fat, and other substances within the cell. The nucleus of the cell may also be displaced. This process is often reversible if the underlying cause is treated.

Clinical Significance

Ballooning degeneration is a common finding in alcoholic hepatitis and viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B and C. It is also seen in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a form of liver disease that is becoming increasingly common due to the rise in obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Related Terms

• Hepatocyte
• Hepatitis
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Viral hepatitis
• Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Ballooning degeneration
• Wikipedia's article - Ballooning degeneration

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