Bridging Fibrosis aka Hep C??

[tumbleweed1999]

Just got results of liver biopsy w/o explaination ( Dr. is on Vac.) as follows: non-supportive destructive colongitis w/bridging fibrosis, stage 3. Then in trying to research I see that possibly Bridging Fibrosis and Hep C are one and the same.  Is this correct? How serious is this?

[FlGuy]

Do you have hepatitis C?  The progression of liver involvement, including bridging fibrosis and on to cirrhosis can be the result of a chronic hep-c infection. But, bridging fibrosis and hep-c are not synonymous.  More like cause and effect.  Other conditions (not just hep c) can cause fibrosis too.  Since you have a biopsy result, you should also have access to prior lab report results that might include various hepatitis tests?

[tumbleweed1999]

Thank you so much for this information - it definitely makes me "feel" better.

According to all my lab work all Heps are neg. My Bili. total was .7 (.0-1.0);
Alk Phos - 1108   (35-104)
Alt -          132     (0-31)
Ast -         105     (0-31)
ANA         1:640   (1:40)
ASMA        48      (<20)
So does any of this give you a clue??  I appreciate your help.  Thank you.  Geri
  

[FlGuy]

Sorry, but with the negative on the heps - I don't have a clue.  May be someone has some insight with the ana and asma though.  I think those tests might be related to auto immune disorders.

[tumbleweed1999]

At least I know that the 2 are not synonymous.  That took a load off.  Thank you.
Geri

[Uplink]

The ANA and ASMA tests are apparently for Autoimmune Hepatitis. Hepatitis itself just means liver inflammation. Besides viral hepatitis, there is also the autoimmune variety, which I don't know much about. You can find some information about the tests at labtestsonline.org -

Wishing you the best of luck for a speedy recovery!

[tumbleweed1999]

Thank you for the input.  All along they have been looking at possible AIH.  Nothing was said about it when I was given the report, tho'.  I have not spoken with my Dr. yet as he was on vacation.  Hope to Monday.  In the meantime I will definitely check out the link.  Thanks.   Geri