CT Scan

[SevereFattyLiver]

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

Thank you.

[nash2 Partner]

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]

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 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.