Ultrasound

[woody03]

                I have a clear ultrasound... Are they able to detect liver disease with this test??? I know I need a Fibro test also, am working on getting it. Thanks for the concern, there are some really caring people on this site....

[woody03]

       Hey Bill,


                 I'm not sure what to do. I'd like to be able to wait to tx for a few years when the meds will be better. The clear ultrasound I'm afraid isn't enough to go on. I could pay for a biospy out of my pocket, but am hoping to get one on a slidding scale based on my income. I did call the Liver Foundation in Dallas, but haven't heard back . Any advise in this matter would be appreciated.


                                                                         Woody

[lalapple]

hi, i was told that x-rays and ultrasounds have the possibility of detecting the last stages of liver diseases.  i had an ultrasound done before i started on tx and the doctors evaluated my ultrasounds based only on the measurements of my liver size and proper blood flow.  X-rays would probably also be able to detect bumps cause by cirrhosis on the surface of the liver.
Many docs suggest biopsies as the best test for the stage of liver disease.  

good luck!

[Bill1954]

In my comment above, replace the term 'fibroscan' with 'fibrosure'.

[Rockerforlife]

I meant to say ultrasound will detect fatty liver

[Rockerforlife]

Biopsies also detect fatty liver disease.

[Marcia2202]

I myself have to rely on the ultrasound. It was 'clear', too. At least I know that I don't have cirrhosis. That's how I see it. They could not perform a liver biopsy on me, due to my coagulation factor being to slow. The risk of bleeding was to high. As I would have wanted to treat, even if the results would have shown mild fibrosis and inflammation, I'm okay with it.  :-(
So anyway, I will never know. In Denmark they don't usually perform biopsies on Geno 2 and 3, it was myself who had requested it. I also remember hearing Dr. D. mention it in his presentation video, that one can go ahead and treat without a biopsy if geno 2 or 3.

If I would have been able to have one, I would have definitely done it.

What genotype are you? If I'm correct, I remember reading that it was financially difficult for you to have to pay for a biopsy. Don't do the fibroscan... I think it would be a waist of money. Better to invest that money into treatment or supplements to take during treatment. My hospital sent the machine back to the manufacturer, as they found it to be inaccurate.

Marcia

[Bill1954]

Hi Woody;
As I understand, an ultrasound scan is often able to detect late-stage liver disease (cirrhosis) using several indicators; measuring the actual size of the liver as well as the diameter of the portal vein, and assessing the surface texture of the organ. Additionally, an enlarged spleen due to portal hypertension often accompanies cirrhosis; this can also be detected. U/S scan can occasionally show the presence of primary liver cancer (Hepatacellular carcinoma).  I’m sure there are other diagnostic benefits to U/S scan, but these come readily to mind.

An ultrasound is inefficient at detecting low to mid level fibrosis, which is often the case with HCV patients.

A Fibroscan is another option; however, many clinicians are hesitant to put too much weight into the results; apparently (although there are studies to support this test), the Fibroscan results are often not concordant with liver biopsy, hence the reluctance of some doctors to use this test. I had a Fibroscan performed *during* treatment, against manufacturers recommendation; neither of two independent hepatologists would use the data to form medical opinion.

Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for assessing the grade and stage of liver damage.

Good news on the clear ultrasound; at least you know that you still have a liver :o).

Take care, and have a nice day—  

Bill