Liver cirrhosis. Light micrograph of a section through liver tissue, showing early signs of cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a condition in which normal liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. It severely disrupts the function of the liver, leading to weakness, jaundice, fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites) and eventually liver failure, which is fatal. In most cases it is caused by alcoholism or infection with the Hepatitis C virus. The damage cannot be reversed, although avoiding contributing factors can prevent it worsening. In severe cases, a liver transplant is needed.