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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Biopsy
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Biopsy
by Liver test, Feb 07, 2006 12:00AM
Biopsy reads--
slight portal tract inflammation and slight fatty change are
present, minimal fibrosis is seen ( grade 0 1/4+)
a moderate amount of hepatocellular Iron is present (2 3/4+)
went on to say the high iron is due from alcohol liver disease.
person was a heavy drinker for at least 10 years, lft tests
are normal, u/s normal, neg. for hep., liver spleen ok,
ct scan ok. person quit drinking 6 months before the biopsy.
What does this mean, never went on to say anything else
about the alcohol liver disease. Is this cirrosis, or a
really damaged liver. Is this an accurate biopsy of the liver
due to the fact that the person quit drinking on 6 months ago,
will more damage show later.
slight portal tract inflammation and slight fatty change are
present, minimal fibrosis is seen ( grade 0 1/4+)
a moderate amount of hepatocellular Iron is present (2 3/4+)
went on to say the high iron is due from alcohol liver disease.
person was a heavy drinker for at least 10 years, lft tests
are normal, u/s normal, neg. for hep., liver spleen ok,
ct scan ok. person quit drinking 6 months before the biopsy.
What does this mean, never went on to say anything else
about the alcohol liver disease. Is this cirrosis, or a
really damaged liver. Is this an accurate biopsy of the liver
due to the fact that the person quit drinking on 6 months ago,
will more damage show later.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Feb 08, 2006 12:00AM
, Feb 08, 2006 12:00AM
The liver biopsy does not suggest fibrosis, but does suggest some mild damage to the liver - likely from the alcohol. Limited alcohol use is certainly recommended. There is no more comprehensive test of liver disease than a biopsy.
The high iron in the liver can be suggestive of hemochromatosis or other iron overload syndromes. A genetic test for this disease, as well as a blood ferritin level can be considered.
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
The high iron in the liver can be suggestive of hemochromatosis or other iron overload syndromes. A genetic test for this disease, as well as a blood ferritin level can be considered.
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
