Diagnosis of Liver Diseases

The symptoms of a chronic inflammatory liver disease are non-specific and can be grouped into different illnesses and syndromes by physicians.

The Process:
The patient is first examined by an internist (physician) for type and duration of the symptoms and previous known illnesses.
This is followed by detailed blood examination for differential diagnosis, which in cases of abnormalities of certain values could suggest an inflammatory liver disease. On suspicion further detailed diagnostic examinations are performed.
The internist (or radiologist) performs an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs like the liver, pancreas, kidney and the spleen. Should the ultrasound examination reveal abnormality of the liver, further diagnostic examinations are required to confirm the diagnosis and to know the stage of the liver disease, like:
1. Contrast enhanced computer tomography (CAT-scan) of the abdomen
2. MRI examination of the liver for detailed evaluation of the liver tissue
3. Chest x-ray
4. When necessary, for absolute diagnosis, tissue biopsy is done

It is only after all examinations have been finished that the internist is able to suggest the right treatment for a particular patient.

Document Date: 2007/06/14   Author: Ahmed Koujan