A 65-year-old man presents with a 2-week history of abdominal bloating, weight loss, and pain in the right upper quadrant. The patient had a serious motor vehicle accident 16 years ago, in which he required transfusion of 10 U of whole blood. On physical examination, he exhibits massive distension of the abdomen. The liver is hard on palpation and occupies the entire right side of the abdomen. Laboratory studies show a low serum albumin (2.2 g/dL) and a markedly elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein. An abdominal ultrasound examination reveals ascites. The patient expires 6 months later. The liver at autopsy is shown in the image. Which of the following is the most common cause of this disease worldwide?
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Chronic hepatitis B
- Chronic hepatitis C