Help/advice on what different tests mean - MRI & Ultrasound scan contradict Fibroscan?!

[AD163]

Hello.

I've been having liver issues for about 4 to 5 months. I've had various tests with interesting and sometimes (in my opinion) confusing/contradictory results. As can often be the case, I think of all the burning questions I have in the hours/days following my appointment with the specialist gastroenterologists I have seen and am therefore turning to this forum to see if anyone else's experience or knowledge can shed some light.

I am 6 foot 3, 15.5 stone, 30 years old, would probably be described as slim, sedentary job, but relatively active, historically had quite a poor diet, and never really worried about what I ate although attempting to rectify this now with a more balanced diet. Alcohol intake at c. 40 to 50 units a week for the last 3 to 4 years, prior to which had been increasing steadily since my late teens. Since my first issues with the liver in October 2020, I have significantly cut down and its been more like 15/20 units a month.

In October 2020, got a blood test for unrelated reason which showed slightly raised LFTs (ALT was 65). More detailed LFTs in November (ALT was 112, GGT 109). December (ALT was 53, GGT 80). January (ALT was 60, GGT 108). All the other liver tests were in the normal range throughout. Tested for viral hepatitides, autoimmune liver disease, diabetes in November which were all negative.

Had an ultrasound in December 2020, which showed completely normal liver in shape and texture with no evidence of fatty change or scarring or any lesions etc..

Had a Fibroscan in January 2020, fib score 5.6kpa but cap score of 300 d/cm which I understand indicates that 2/3 of my liver is fatty change.

Had an MRI scan in February 2020, which showed no issues at all with the liver and no evidence of fat.

Have had mild discomfort in the liver area since November.

My main question is how can the Fibroscan and the MRI scan appear to be so far apart in terms of whether I have fatty liver?

Has anyone else had similar issues, where they are drawing a blank on what's wrong with the liver?

Any thoughts/advice/shared experiences would be most welcome.

Thanks,

Arnold

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I’d have been interested in any answers to this as both my ultrasound and CT with contrast showed healthy liver and no fat mentioned which I was very surprised at given my decades of drinking heavily. I do wonder if a fibroscan would say different but bottom line here is that you can reverse a fatty liver I believe so that’s all you need to focus on. You know what to do 👍🏻... I have stopped drinking totally and eating healthy and that eliminates any liver worry.

[deanw41]

I have liver scarring, sober now. CT scans always different to ultrasound,never had a fibroscan. I feel well and I’m not drinking,but I love cake,who knows,my consultant said don’t worry so I just get on with it! Next time I have a scan probably show cream slices,just enjoy your life mate,I done with trying work it out,takes up too much precious time!! All the best!! 😊

[Tommy62 in reply to deanw41]

I'm the same lol I haven't had a drink in 7 months suspected cirrhosis I've a ultrasound on wed but I've took a motion for sugary sweets I said to my doc he told me to just concentrate on staying of the drink that's the main thing at the minute lol so I'm happy enough

[Beachgirl77]

Hi, I have had elevated enzymes for decades, much higher than yours, but felt fine. Ultrasound showed fatty liver2 yrs ago ... am going for my first fibro scan tomorrow so I’m concerned. I have itchy skin and nausea plus other symptoms and don’t feel well at all so we will see. It is hard to get answers. I would stop alcohol though. Good Luck, you are not alone in this journey.

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I had almost the same results. Normal ultrasound elevated ALT and AST and 300 CAP? How could the ultrasound miss that fatty liver? Did you vet find anything out?