What causes icterus?
The causes of icterus fall into three major categories: 1. Destruction of red blood cells. The process of red cell destruction is known as hemolysis. It can occur within blood vessels (intravascular) or in the spleen and liver (extravascular). 2. Liver disease. Any disease that causes destruction of liver cells or causes bile to become trapped in the liver can cause icterus. 3. Obstruction of the bile duct. The bile duct carries bile, an important fluid for digestion, from the gall bladder to the small intestine. Obstruction can occur within the gall bladder or anywhere along the bile duct.
