Hi, I’ve just had an ultrasound and the sonographer said that the liver, gallbladder all looks fine there is minimal fat but nothing to worry about, which is great news. My last blood test two weeks ago was GGT 383 and ALT 148 (if I can remember correctly). What else could be causing these high levels and lethargy?
Many thanks 😊
Hello katmum, may I ask please, who was it that referred you for a ultrasound? Was this your GP or a consultant?
I don't wish to burst your bubble here, but the sonographer is a healthcare professional, trained in using a ultrasound. They are not medically qualified in the interpretation of the image. It is always up to the doctor to formulate the final diagnosis. In fact, a sonographer can get into trouble for telling someone about the scan.
So, it's better to wait until the consultant has had a chance to view the image.
Fingers crossed that all is well.
Richard
I disagree, I've had more ultrasounds than I can count and I'm always told of the findings at the time, the sonographers are trained and extremely knowledgeable and several times they have found an issue and been able to speed up reports and follow ups plus have advised on timing of future scans. I would rather know immediately what has shown up rather than wait the inevitable long time for a Dr to report back, sometimes never !
Thanks for your experience with your doctor. I had my first untrasound scan nearly 2 months ago and so far no contact from my doctor. Is this normal? Thanks.
Hello,
It is not normal not to have heard anything about your scan after 2 months. One would like to think that no news is good news but it is always worth chasing up - especially at the moment. Maybe give your GP a call and see if they have received results or call your consultants secretary...
regards
No. In Canada they are not allowed to say a word... after a radiologist reads it your doctor informs you.
I just had an ultrasound and was walked through every step of every organ (she knew I was afraid of cancer, more specifically pancreatic/liver cancer). My girlfriend told me as well that most sonographers are able to tell you everything they see.
In response to my initial reply. I was merely quoting from this publication: healthcare-in-europe.com/en...
The following extract might clarify some points.
“A sonographer is a healthcare professional (non-medical doctor) who specialise in the use of ultrasound technology to produce diagnostic scans that will be integrated in the diagnostic process to help the medical doctor to formulate the final diagnosis”.
My personal experience back in 2019 showed me how a sonographer can get it wrong. I was referred to a Cardiologists at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham by the liver team. This was because some three years previous while having my liver transplant the Inferior vena cava had become kinked during to procedure.
After having an ultrasound, it was reported that I had a mild cardiac infarction. But it was also noted that I had gallstones in my gallbladder. The Cardiologists had merely taken the sonographer word of this and had written and informed my GP and me of the findings.
I then wrote back to the Cardiologists informing them of this error. I received a letter of apology from the hospital administrator saying that there had been an error in interpretation. And that the images had been re-examined and they confirmed that there were no gallstones or gallbladder present.
So, when I wrote that comment previously I was using personal experiences.
Sadly, just like any profession mistakes and errors can be made. Ultimately the final interpretation of the images should be that of the consultant who is fully trained in imagery interpretation of that particular organ being examined.
Ahh I see. I'm really sorry you had this experience. I'm glad to hear you got it all fixed. I suppose it could've gone a lot worse with the misdiagnoses.
Hello,
Hopefully you have an appointment soon to discuss the scan result and your blood tests. It may be that further investigations are required to establish the cause of your elevated results.
Keep us posted...
regards
Hi thank you all for your replies.
I was referred by the GP and awaiting an appointment with gastro team.
My elevated levels were found when I had a blood test for inflammatory markers pre gastro referral as I suffer from endometriosis which they think is now inside my bowel.
Hopefully the ultrasound will be checked by a dr as well?
I am on a lot of different medications, so wondering if they could be causing the elevations? Although they seem quite a bit higher than the normal range and not sure if medication alone could cause them to be so high?
Medications can cause elevated results. Best talk to your gp about these. Also check the patient leaflet for side effects.
Would they maybe consider a fibro scan? Or if the ultrasound sound if normal would they be able to rule out needing one?
I am in the same situation, with slightly elevated GGT ALT and AST. Nothing strange on the ultrasound. And the doctor said, “well, maybe you just have naturally high enzymes,” end of story. Frustrating.
ALT and GGT - alcohol related
Extremely elevated alt ast and ggt
GGT and ALT's have increased again 
High GGT (309), normal ultrasound and fibroscan (3.2kPa), other liver functions normal. Any ideas?
