Scans, which ones are best

[Chrisp2019]

So I’m familiar with the fibroscan and what it does : my questions is which out of clarity and detections would be best to determine any liver issues: cat scan / ultrasound / mri?

[Hidden]

Ultrasound is always first line of attack. Fibroscans have their limitations. I would suggest an ELF test in conjunction with an ultrasound. ELF tests are done by blood sample and are proving to be far more accurate than fibroscans because they are not influenced by other things like inflamation as an example.

MRI is a bit over kill in my opinion. It really only would be suggested if they see something on an ultrasound that warrants further investigation.

[Chrisp2019 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Phoenix I took your advice from a earlier post and went to see a liver specialist she didn’t think I needed any further testing. Because of my concern she sent me for a mri . I have no been back yet for the Reading but I did get the results and al normal. Just wanted to make sure that has good vision to any issues. I wanted to thank you for your insight and knowledge it was very helpful and accurate

[Hidden in reply to Chrisp2019]

Oh for sure MRI is a very clear picture. I'm glad to hear the great news and wish you all the best moving forward!

[Hanc in reply to Hidden]

Hi Phonex, I was wondering about an ELF test when I was still on my 3 and a half 4 month binge, but was wondering if the alcohol would effect the reading (i.e would inflammation, fatty liver ect effect the level of fibrosis detected), I'm only asking as I mentioned the test to my G.P and she hadn't heard of it, but found out the Hospital did the test and asked if I wanted one or if I wanted to wait until my next blood tests. I wish I had of taken the test when offered but was wondering if the fact that I was still drinking would have an effect on the reading. Does the ELF test give an accurate result of fibrosis even if still drinking?

[Hidden in reply to Hanc]

Alcohol shouldn't affect a reading on either test if there is no inflamattion. Maybe it might a little if you were drunk at the time of the test. GGT raises when you have recently binged. But otherwise it shouldn't to any real relativant degree. In short if you dont have inflamation from drinking while the test is taken it should be fine. If you have hepatitis from drinking at the time if the test it would. Far more so in a fibroscan than an ELF test. Its recommend that these tests all get repeated six months after abstinence always.

[Hanc in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the info Phoenix will probably leave it until the next blood tests. Thanks again Bro.

[Owlie]

Hi, I had an ELF test, ultrasound, then an ultrasound elastography, another ELF test and eventually a fibroscan. Compared to all of them, the ELF test was incredibly accurate.

Hope this helps,

Owlie

[Hanc in reply to Owlie]

Hi Owlie I asked Phoniex a question above maybe you could help too. Thanks and sorry didn't mean to hijack the thread but Chrisp2019's original question has always interested me also.

[Hidden in reply to Owlie]

Agreed totally

[Peter_Plymouth]

Without doubt MRI with contrast is the gold standard for liver scans. However, this is only required when the other faster and less invasive tests show there to be issues that require detailed investigation.

Good luck with the investigation and I hope nothing is found

[VeeWat in reply to Peter_Plymouth]

Can an MRI show cirrhosis?

[Peter_Plymouth in reply to VeeWat]

Yes - also anything else that is physically wrong with the liver.

[Danubian in reply to Peter_Plymouth]

Hi Peter - hope you're doing OK! If alt Ast and GGT are all safely within range, does this USUALLY rule out fibrosis? Best wishes and a nice weekend

[Danubian in reply to VeeWat]

absolutely. The MRI with contrast doctor called me yesterday and said it can also show fibrosis

[VeeWat in reply to Danubian]

It can show fibrosis but can it stage it?

[Danubian in reply to VeeWat]

I can't answer that one

[Danubian in reply to VeeWat]

As far as I'm concerned, I don't care about the staging because it is a big step to know it's been ruled out - if fibrosis is found then further Tests can be carried out -it's a big step to find out if it is there or not - one step at a time!

[mncold]

Hi Chrisp2019,

I'm not sure what is best, my husband's liver doctor uses ultrasound and did when he was in the hospital in liver failure.

We live in the US so things may be different where you are or based on your own doctor and their preferences.

Best wishes,

Mary

[Peeps7]

My husband is ESLD, he has bi-annual ultrasounds, more recently, a CT scan, MRI and finally MRCP, the latter being the most revealing, helpful and constructive. Anne x

[VanessaH]

The Trust has just updated and reviewed it's leaflet 'Liver tests explained - britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...

Might be worth a download?