Cirrhosis can lead to which of the following complications?

Cirrhosis is a progressive liver disease characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue, which can lead to several complications due to the loss of liver function and increased pressure in the portal vein system. One of the most significant complications associated with cirrhosis is the development of esophageal varices.

As the liver becomes increasingly damaged, the normal blood flow through the liver is obstructed, causing increased pressure in the portal venous system - a condition known as portal hypertension. This increased pressure can lead to the dilation of veins in the esophagus, which are then referred to as esophageal varices. These enlarged veins are at high risk for rupture, leading to life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding. This complication necessitates careful monitoring in patients with cirrhosis, as the management of esophageal varices often includes medications to reduce portal pressure and procedures to prevent bleeding.

While pneumonia, myocardial infarction, and renal failure can occur in patients with cirrhosis, they are not direct complications of the disease itself in the same way that esophageal varices are. They may arise due to underlying health issues or as a result of compromised overall health but are not sequelae stemming directly from the pathophysiological changes associated