CT scans

Hi Doctor,

I really could use your help.  I am very frustrated and concerned.  I am a past heavy drinker and have had pain under my right rib cage radiating thru to my back since May of last year.  I have had three diffent sets of bloodwork and it always comes back normal.  I have also had an ultrasound of my liver and gallbladder, two abdominal CT scans, an upper endoscopy as well as a colonoscopy.  All came back normal.  My gastro doc seems to think my liver is fine, but I have other symptoms that could be associated with liver disease.  My question is would a CT scan or ultrsound pick up cirrhosis?

Thank you!

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

these imaging tests would almost 100% pick up advanced liver disease, especially when paired with the blood tests.  people who have drank heavy in the past can also have chronic pancreatitis that might give similar pain.