Which phrasing correctly identifies a cause of cirrhosis?

• A. Alcohol abuse is the only cause
• B. Viral infections are never a cause
• C. Alcohol-induced hepatitis leading to liver scarring
• D. Obesity is the sole cause

Answer: (C)

Cirrhosis arises when the liver undergoes long-term injury that causes inflammation and scar tissue to replace healthy tissue, distorting its structure and function. Alcohol-induced hepatitis is a well-established path to this outcome: chronic heavy drinking inflames the liver, and continued injury promotes fibrosis that progresses to cirrhosis. This makes it a valid and realistic cause.

The other statements are inaccurate because they either claim there is only one cause, deny viral hepatitis as a cause, or say obesity is the sole cause. In reality, cirrhosis can result from multiple factors, including chronic viral hepatitis (B or C) and fatty liver disease linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome, among others.