Cirrhosis, defined anatomically and histopathologically as a modification of the diffuse architecture of the liver by mutilating fibrosis isolating nodules of regeneration, is  a major complication of many chronic liver diseases. The impact on quality of life is a source of morbidity and mortality linked to its main complications. In this special issue devoted to Cirrhosis, a number of articles written by international authors focus on different aspects of the disease.

In the first article, by Dr Honoré Zougmoré and Professor Jean-François Cadranel, non-invasive methods of assessing cirrhosis are discussed, along with cases requiring liver biopsy.

Bacterial complications of cirrhosis, ranging from urinary tract infection to septic shock, will be the subject of a chapter by Doctor Weil and Professor Di Martino. However, the main pulmonary complications of cirrhosis: hydrothorax, pulmonary arterial hypertension, hepato-pulmonary syndrome will be dealt with by Dr Thevenot. 

HAA was treated by Professor Nguyen-Khac, who initiated treatment with dual corticosteroid/N-acetyl-cysteine therapy.

Dr Sencan Acar will address the difficult problem of diagnosis and management of decompensated cirrhosis vs Acute on Chronic Liver Failure.

Dr Paul Carrier will write the artificial intelligence and liver cirrhosis. Points to ameliorate.

Finally, Dr Kerri Simo and Dr Nicole Mcbrier will study the influence of CT determination of sarcopenia on the post-operative outcome of patients with cirhotic liver disease undergoing open or minimally invasive liver resection.