Abdominal Ultrasound

[brown_eyed_grl]

I'm having one next week. What does it show? Is it as sensitive as a biopsy?

[APKhaos]

The ultrasound exam has a couple of objectives:

- to identify any anomalies in the liver/spleen/gall bladder etc
- to identify any vascular abnormalities if doppler is ordered
- to get an accurate size and position of the liver to guide the biopsy procedure.

There may be others, but that's what is on the info sheet I got when mine was done.

[rosebud57]

i took my doctors word that US was clear, liver lean, no tumors,.... you mean i should have asked for the biopsy anyway?/

none of my other numbers were indicative of anything wrong, only viral load which was relatively med to low..

should i be concern???

hope you are doing well, done with treatment right?  I am week 20/24 and feel like quiting about 3 days out of  7
rose

[Pdilly]

How you doing these days?    Energy, hair loss etc.     I heard about your last Post test.   I think you are about due for another right?

[madbrad]

Whatttttttttttttttttt no undies with Racing stripes???????
    

[sallyo]

I have had several abdomial US.  IF it is done with a doppler it will also show blood flows in the veins and arteries supporting the liver.  Not all are done with a doppler but if yours is ordered that way it is a rather lengthy test.  Like about 45 min to an hour.  Dosen't hurt a bit.  I think the Us tells more about actual structual damage or lack there of .  The biopsy tells I think the degree of damage,  the microscopic damage and kind of virus you are fighting and is considered the gold standerd for treating hep C

[NYgirl]

Remember sweetie you have to have the biopsy...the doctor never told me that and when the tec told me after my US that it was perfect...I thought that meant I had no damage.

Imagine my surprise when I found out I was grade 2 stage THREE.

Ugh.

I just wish they had told me BEFORE HAND (it was before I found the forum...one ofthe best things that ever happened to me). :)

[GoofyDad]

They can also show significant changes to liver texture & size, portal vein and spleen size. So they can rule out high damage levels, but can't diagnose lower levels of fibrosis, as can a biopsy. Remember, no eating or drinking before. And wear clean undies.

[Harry Potter]

I had one about 2 months ago (I mistakenly refer to it as a CT scan all the time).  Ultrasounds show tumors, but not liver damage or inflammation.  Mine showed no tumors, but, alas, it did show gallstones!  drat.  Good luck with yours; it's simple, no pain or discomfort, just that cold gel on your tummy.