Gallbladder polyps and elevated liver enzymes

[capall]

I am a 38 year old female, about 50lbs overweight, but otherwise healthy. I drink alcohol occasionally and take ibuprofen periodically (sometimes above recommended doseage)for aches and pains, but have never consumed any other drugs and am not on prescription medication. After a routine physical 2 weeks ago, (only the 2nd time I have seen a physician in the last 30 years), I was told I have elevated liver enzymes. Everything on the original bloodwork was fine and the follow-up tests for Hepatitis A, B, and C were all negative. I had an abdominal ultrasound, after which the technician told me she saw gallstones and some polyps but no fatty liver. After reviewing the ultrasound, I was told I have "severe" gallstone polyps but that those would not cause the elevated liver enzymes; my physician referred me to a liver specialist. After reading literature on the subject of gallstones, I find I MAY have had some mild symptoms - periodic nausea, fatigue, and occasional low grade fever - nothing serious enough to think much of it at the time. Could upper-respiratory congestion and some "wheezing" be linked? It will be 6 weeks before I see the specialist. At this point, I am only slightly concerned but the suspense and curiosity alone may drive me nuts. I know you can't give me anything definitive but, should I be more than "slightly" concerned and what MIGHT I expect as a diagnosis/treatment. Should I modify my diet in the next 6 weeks?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Certainly an upper-respiratory infection can lead to both wheezing and congestion.

Regardng the elevated liver enzymes - the ultrasound as well as hepatitis panel is a good start.  Depending on how high the enzymes are, you can consider a liver biopsy.

The treatment for gallbladder polyps would depend on its size.  Options can include observation with serial ultrasounds to a cholecystectomy.

If you are having symptoms like nausea, and abdominal pain, you may want to consider removing the gallbladder.

You can discuss these options with your personal physician or surgeon.

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.
Medical Weblog:
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