Liver involvement in AAT deficiency can lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Liver cirrhosis is the life-threatening consequence of many liver disorders and carries a poor prognosis. Besides AAT deficiency, many other - potentially treatable - conditions, such as viral hepatitis, excessive alcohol consumption and diabetes, can cause liver damage. Liver cirrhosis itself leads to many, often life-threatening secondary disorders such as heavy bleeding or liver cancer. It is therefore crucial that liver disorders such as AAT deficiency are diagnosed at an early stage, so as to prevent complications and to treat concomitant risk factors.