Q: What does types A, B and C stand for in hepatic encephalopathy?


Hepatic encephalopathy is subdivided in type A, B and C depending on the underlying cause.

Type A (=acute) describes hepatic encephalopathy associated with acute liver failure.

Type B (=bypass) is caused by portal-systemic shunting without associated intrinsic liver disease.

Type C (=cirrhosis) occurs in patients with cirrhosis.