71-Year-Old Woman Experiences Abdominal Pain and Fatigue – Liver Cirrhosis Was the Cause!

It's not uncommon for older adults to experience vague or non-specific symptoms that may mask serious underlying conditions. In this particular case, a 71-year-old woman visited the hospital complaining of persistent fatigue, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, and bilateral leg swelling. She had not taken any self-treatment measures, and her symptoms continued for two weeks before she decided to seek professional medical advice.

Patient Profile and Diagnosis

The patient was a 71-year-old female with no known history of chronic liver disease. Upon physical examination, she exhibited signs consistent with chronic liver disease, including a dull complexion, periorbital pallor, and mild pitting edema in both lower extremities. An abdominal ultrasound revealed a shrunken liver with an irregular, “serrated” surface, heterogeneous echotexture, and coarse liver parenchymal echoes. The portal vein measured approximately 11mm in diameter, indicating possible portal hypertension. Based on these findings, along with her clinical presentation, she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.

Treatment Plan and Hospitalization

Due to impaired liver function, the patient was prescribed a combination of medications to support liver health and manage symptoms. These included ursodeoxycholic acid capsules and ademetionine enteric-coated tablets to protect liver cells, human albumin to address hypoalbuminemia, and hydrochlorothiazide tablets to reduce fluid retention and edema. She remained hospitalized for five days under close monitoring.

Positive Response to Treatment

By the second day of treatment, the patient reported feeling less fatigued and noted some improvement in her abdominal discomfort and leg swelling. On day three, her appetite, sleep, and mental status improved significantly. By the fifth day, all symptoms—including right upper quadrant pain, general weakness, and leg edema—had largely subsided, allowing for her discharge from the hospital.

Post-Treatment Recommendations

Following her recovery, the patient was advised to continue her prescribed medication regimen consistently and avoid skipping doses or discontinuing treatment without medical supervision. Adherence to therapy is crucial in managing cirrhosis and preventing complications such as ascites or hepatic encephalopathy. Additionally, she was encouraged to maintain a balanced diet rich in high-quality protein sources like eggs, lean meats, fish, dairy, and soy products to support liver cell repair and overall wellness.

Key Takeaways

Liver cirrhosis is a progressive condition that can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. This case highlights the importance of timely medical intervention. Fortunately, the patient did not attempt self-medication and instead sought professional care after her symptoms persisted. Early diagnosis and proper management played a significant role in her positive outcome. Family members should also be vigilant about the health of elderly loved ones and encourage prompt medical evaluation when unusual symptoms arise.