CT Scan: Is an abdominal CT scan with... - Living with Fatty...

Living with Fatty Liver and NASH

8,228 members2,141 posts

CT Scan

SevereFattyLiver profile image
3 Replies

Is an abdominal CT scan with contrast a good indicator of liver health?

Thank you.

Written by
SevereFattyLiver profile image
SevereFattyLiver
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
3 Replies
nash2 profile image
nash2Partner

Its best value is to look for tumors. It doesn't do a very good job of telling you how much fat or fibrosis is in the liver but can look for signs of disease like enlarged liver and spleen. It gives pictures not tissue measurements so has its place but isn't as good as an MRE for example.

andrewax2 profile image
andrewax2

In addition to Wayne’s comment, the MRE also does not have radiation. I’ve learned these CT scans have an insane amount of radiation, making X-Rays look like nothing. Sadly I had quite a few before learning this. I would say the MRE is overall better.

Partner20 profile image
Partner20 in reply to andrewax2

There is frequently no option to select between a CT or an MRI because both have specific functions, and one may be preferred over the other due to what is being investigated. Yes, an MRI does not involve radiation, but is very costly and unsuitable for many types of investigation. Modern CT scans are highly targeted, and records are kept of your radiation total, so if you have received more than the recommended total in a given period an alternative, albeit not so appropriate scan may be suggested. There is always a balance between good and bad, and sometimes the benefits of an investigation involving radiation outweigh the negative aspects.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Ultrasound scan

Hi all, bit frustrated here - so tomorrow I was having my liver follow up with a new fibroscan 6...

Liver disease or cancer? Please help 😭 CT and ultrasound results below

Okay so to cut the long story short, since January I’ve lost 52lbs (I’m a larger woman to begin...

Got my nerve up to look at scan results

I don't understand, of course most of this such as; interquartile range to median for all...