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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
ast/alt ratio
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.
ast/alt ratio
by void, May 20, 2006 12:00AM
40 yr old Female with the following test results:
In 1998 ratio of ast/alt was 1:1 (ast 18 alt 17)
06/05 11/05 05/06
ast 19 ast 21 ast 20
alt 9 alt 12 alt 13
albumin 4.6 albumin4.7 albumin 4.6
mcv 96 mcv94 mcv90
plt 167 plt 192 plt 172
blrb .9 blrb .6 blrb .6
alk ph 46 alk ph 40
ggt 12
ldh 122
all other blood work is normal. ct scan with contrast for liver was normal. history of moderate to heavy drinking for 10 years. abstinenece from alcohol prior to test in 05/06. i am concerned about the ast/alt ratio. i read that this could mean i have alcohol liver disease.
is this ratio important when enzymes are in the normal range?
is ct scan with contrast a good image of liver?
could these test results mean alcohol liver disease?
In 1998 ratio of ast/alt was 1:1 (ast 18 alt 17)
06/05 11/05 05/06
ast 19 ast 21 ast 20
alt 9 alt 12 alt 13
albumin 4.6 albumin4.7 albumin 4.6
mcv 96 mcv94 mcv90
plt 167 plt 192 plt 172
blrb .9 blrb .6 blrb .6
alk ph 46 alk ph 40
ggt 12
ldh 122
all other blood work is normal. ct scan with contrast for liver was normal. history of moderate to heavy drinking for 10 years. abstinenece from alcohol prior to test in 05/06. i am concerned about the ast/alt ratio. i read that this could mean i have alcohol liver disease.
is this ratio important when enzymes are in the normal range?
is ct scan with contrast a good image of liver?
could these test results mean alcohol liver disease?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, May 20, 2006 12:00AM
, May 20, 2006 12:00AM
An AST/ALT ratio of about 2:1 is suggestive of liver disease. However, with both these values being within the normal range, this is an unlikely possibility.
A CT scan would rule out many of the major anatomical abnormalities with the liver. An ultrasound or MRI can also be considered if there are suspicious areas.
A negative CT scan and normal LFTs would make alcoholic liver disease unlikely.
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_
A CT scan would rule out many of the major anatomical abnormalities with the liver. An ultrasound or MRI can also be considered if there are suspicious areas.
A negative CT scan and normal LFTs would make alcoholic liver disease unlikely.
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_
Linda J