Examination of the liver: a list of methods

If you begin to notice soreness in his right side, mouth appeared a touch of bitterness, often for no reason begins to feel sick, then it is likely that the problem is with the liver. But don't start guessing on a coffee thick, and to take the advertised drugs. It is better to consult the expert and the examination of the liver. Only after studying the test results, ultrasound, CT, MRI, radioisotope scan or biopsy, you can assign the correct treatment.

General blood test

Usually the first step in the examination of the liver – tests. First and foremost, doctors have always prescribed a General blood test. This is the simplest study, which will indicate the specific problem, but will provide an opportunity to determine the presence of inflammation of the body. And if there was a decrease in the platelets, we can assume viral hepatitis, since disruption of liver cells.

Biochemistry

You will have to take blood from a vein, which will be determined by the liver enzymes (aspartate-AST, Alt, and alanine-amino-transferase). This analysis gives an indication of damaged cell membranes that allow specific cellular enzymes from the liver into the blood. The norm of these enzymes – less than 41 U/l ALT. If it is exceeded, then it may be a sign of hepatitis. This analysis is called the blood chemistry. It allows you to determine the ratio of ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase identify and determine the level of bilirubin to assess the concentration of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). Analysis is defined more than 40 indicators.

Ultrasound

An Important stage in the examination of the liver-ultrasound. Ultrasonic diagnostics allows to set the size of the liver and gallbladder. The method shows diffuse changes such as steatosis, all types of pancreatitis, cirrhosis. For example, when the liver in the body will be visible specks of fat cells. Hepatocytes and fat have different densities, this means that the ultrasonic picture will look gaudy. And with the development of the disease the liver cells will start to be replaced by connective tissue, and the ultrasound shows signs of fibrosis.

Recommended

A tablet from worms – the relevance of the application for the person

How relevant today, drugs against worms in humans? What kind of creatures these worms, what are modern methods of treatment? We will try to answer these questions, since ignorance in this area is undesirable. Imagine a mummy, which is misleading in k...

What to do if you cracked skin on hands?

Each of us at least once in a lifetime encounter with a small, but very, when the crack the skin on the hands. At this time there are wounds of different sizes, which hurt and cause inconvenience, especially when in contact with water or detergents. ...

Spray Macho man - the key to a proper relationship between the two spouses

Male impotence is a pathological condition associated with abnormal physiological capacity of the penis to reginout and bring sexual partner pleasure in bed.sex impotenceimpotence may not men to pass unnoticed – it usually spoils his nervous sy...

As for focal changes, examination of the liver using ultrasound will clearly show the areas with a higher density, which may be a hemangioma, adenoma, metastatic cancer, calcifications. Clearly the method allows to determine reduced echogenicity plots, which may indicate the presence of a sarcoma, lymphoma, abscess, or hematoma.

After Examining the data obtained, the doctor will not be able to make an accurate diagnosis, but it determines the direction for further examination of the liver, excluding the rejected options.

For the patient such examination is completely painless. But will need minor preparation, eliminating the bloating.

Computer scintigraphy and isotope scanning

Modern methods of examination of the liver include radioisotope scanning or more actual computer scintigraphy of organ systems, including liver, gall bladder and ducts. The first method is actively used in medical practice since the early 60-ies and lost some relevance. The second method appeared relatively recently and has gained popularity among diagnosticians. The study allows to assess the degree of functioning of the authority, determine its size, detect tumors and to establish the presence of chronic processes.

Scintigraphy carried out with the use of colloidal sulfur (or other organic matter), which are labeled with radioactive technetium 99. A radioactive isotope is injected to the patient intravenously or inhaled. Then, using gamma cameras detect radiation, convert it and transmit it to the computer. The image is layered and colored. The survey takes up to 30 min, allowing the doctor to monitor the work of the authority and to information about the pathologies.

The Isotope scan is also carried out for 30-40 minutes, but requires the patient immobile. A flat image is displayed on paper, not on screen. This is the colored dashed lines.

Both methods researches are carried out on an empty stomach. Another special training is not necessary.

CT and MRI

There are two more modern, but more expensive method of examination of the liver – computer and magnetic resonance imaging. CT is carried out using x-ray radiation. When finished, you get up to twelve images (horizontal sections), which allows to determine the localization and size of lesions. Additionally the doctor is able to assess the nature of the problem and understand how it has affected the surrounding tissues. KT is prescribed for the suspicion of a mechanical jaundice, a cyst, liver injury, bleeding, bruises, cirrhosis, and tumors.

MRI is deservedly considered the most accurate method of examination of the liver and other organs. Magnetic resonance imaging accurately detects tumors even if very small size. During procedure it is possible not only to diagnosethe tumor, but also to establish her character, to detect metastases, to assess the patency of the vessels to detect diffuse changes, to establish the degree of cirrhosis and much more. The survey is conducted in a special apparatus of the tunnel type. The procedure takes 30 minutes or more.

Diagnosis can be performed with contrast or without him. The method is absolutely safe for patients, but requires monitoring of metal objects. You need to remove everything: jewelry, hearing AIDS, and dentures. MRI in the presence of the shrapnel, metal clips or pins and the pacemaker is possible only after further consultation with the doctor.

Biopsy

Biopsy provides the opportunity to determine the etiology of the disease, its stage and the level of damage to the organ. The analysis takes a piece of tissue that is sent for histological (tissue), cytological (cellular) or bacteriological examination.

There are several types of liver biopsy.

• Puncture;
• Aspiration with ultrasound guidance;
• Transvenous;
• Laparoscopic.

To the planned liver biopsy preparations begin for 7 days. The patient must abstain from taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and to warn about the use of anticoagulants. 5 days of the diet excludes foods that increase gas. 3 days start “Espumizan”. The procedure is performed on an empty stomach.

The Main thing you need to understand the patient - in the case of pain and symptoms to delay treatment to the doctor is impossible. It is necessary to survey the liver. Where to start, you must solve the attending physician, since he will need the full picture of the status of the authority. Remember, most problems can be cured with timely recourse.