catscan

I was diagnosed with chronic gastritis and atrophy in November. I had an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy after a low B-12 reading. my regular doctor was administering monthly B-12 shots for pernicious anemia but it wasn't coming up. I went to see an oncologist hematologist and it turns out he just was not giving a high enough dosage.The hematologist suspects i may have celiac disease also ..the blood work was negative and the doctor who did my endoscopy did not see anything unusual but we are waiting for the biopsy of my intestine to come back. In the meantime I have been staying on a gluten free diet just in case.My hematologist had me do a catscan to check my ovaries for cysts and the scan showed a spot on my liver. He said not to worry about it he called it focal hypoplasia and I was probably born with it. He said he wanted to do a follow up scan in 4 months. As I have been doing research on celiac disease for recipes etc. I saw an autoimmune disorder called primary biliary cirrhosis linked to celiac disease.I have now scared myself and should probably stay off the internet.....my question is could focal hypoplasia be mistaken for primary biliary cirrhosis? My alk phos was normal at 60 and Bili total was 0.5 also normal. If my doctor feels it is something I was born with why would he want to do a follow up scan? Could the two look alike on the scan or am I being silly and need to put the computer up for awhile (i hope it's the latter)thanks so muck for your time much for your time Denine

[Kevin Pho, MD]

A normal alkaline phosphatase would make primary biliary cirrhosis less likely.  If there is concern about this, there are blood tests that can help with the diagnosis - such as antimitichondial antibodies.  A liver biopsy would give a more definitive diagnosis for this condition.  

A followup CT scan is recommended to ensure the lesion isn't changing or enlarging.  It is likely that your physician just wants to be safe and ensure the lesion isn't anything more serious.  

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.
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