What is the difference between a chronic and an acute congested liver? | Congested liver

What is the difference between a chronic and an acute congested liver?

In acute congested liver, a venous congestion of the blood into the liver occurs relatively suddenly. For example, right heart function is suddenly so severely impaired by a pulmonary artery embolism that the blood is congested in front of the liver. This causes the liver to swell and become enlarged.

Under the microscope, the significantly dilated venous blood vessels in the liver tissue can be seen. If the cause of the right heart strain is removed (= treatment of pulmonary artery embolism), liver function normally improves again. In chronic congested liver, the congestion develops gradually and persists for months.

This is when the liver begins to rebuild connective tissue. This can also be seen under the microscope. It is a sign of cirrhosis of the liver. It is no longer reversible and continues to progress.