cat scan

I bloat up Dr. sending me for cat scan to see if i retain
water. Will cat scan check for that. And can they pick up
if i have cirrhosis. I think i do but my Dr. does not
belileve so. I have all the symptoms and a heavy drinking past.
Lost 30 pds. why do you loose so much weight when you have
a liver problem.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

A CT scan will be able to check fo ascites which is fluid within the peritoneal cavity.  End-stage cirrhosis can present with this symptom.  

End-stage liver disease can also lead to weight loss.  However, as you can imagine, many other conditions can cause weight loss as well.  

Imaging the liver can suggest cirrhosis.  A liver biopsy is the most comprehensive way to diagnose cirrhosis.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b