Can a normal ultrasound detect scarrin... - British Liver Trust

British Liver Trust

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Can a normal ultrasound detect scarring of the liver?

6 years ago•6 Replies

I had a normal ultrasound scan that showed fat infiltration. Could it have missed scarring if my liver was actually scarred or if there were scars on my liver would the ultrasound show this? I know about fibroscan etc b4 anyone mentions that lol just want an answer to my question lol thanks

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jojo23pink

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Faithfull6 years ago

Sorry ain't got answer but thanks for you post as I ain't got a clue but your replys will help me out as well as trying to educate meself.

jojo23pink in reply to Faithfull6 years ago

Lol xx

6 years ago

The condition of your liver will be determined by scans and blood tests. Ask the specialists what they find and if and how to cure any problems .

Kristian6 years ago

An ultrasound scan wont necessarily pick up actual scars. What it will pick up is changes in liver density or texture that may correspond with various things such as fat infiltration and scaring/fibrosis. It can also be used to measure the size of organs to detect whether there is any increase in liver size (Hepatomegaly) or spleen size (splenomegaly) that may be indicative of some ongoing process, such as inflammation or portal hypertension. Both associated with liver disease. It can also pick up whether there is ascitic or free fluid present where it shouldn't be and it can also be used to look at how the blood is flowing through the liver.

The report that will come back will identify whether any of those features are seen. For example with scarring the texture may be described as course. That doesn't necessarily mean you have cirrhosis though, it may simply be fibrosis. The ultrasound can identify whether or not the liver has a nodular surface texture. That may be more likely to be reflective have some more long lasting scaring or cirrhosis. The ultrasound can also pick up quite easily things like cysts or other infiltrates, such as fat, as these change how the ultrasound waves pass through the liver and are rebounded back to the detector.

Ultrasound is generally seen as a good, quick, cheap and generally reliable tool for assessing the liver and whether anything is not quite right. It would generally pick up most things that may be suspicious.

Basically though, you should never take just one test as indicative of anything. Its always the big picture that should be used to form any sort of diagnosis.

Faithfull in reply to Kristian6 years ago

Thanks that's helped me as one of my posts that's copied exact words not mine .I still ain't well and getting to week leave bed hospital left me hip surgery to long sent me 2yrs wrong neuro ment to be under neurosurgery as small growth on brain discharged me from liver dr said I have no liver scarring I still being told by GP I have early cirhosis I tested blood as I'm ruling out myself things scared of hospital treatment as neglect upon mixing me records with someone else . Blood sugar home test sugar way to high as me daughter type 2!but machine ain't right I don't no as its used not reguar it is new I'm wrried X hope u ok

jojo23pink in reply to Faithfull6 years ago

What was the small growth on brain still re readin ur msg x

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