What will ultrasound of liver show

The costs for specific medical imaging tests, treatments and procedures may vary by geographic region. Web page review process: This Web page is reviewed regularly by a physician with expertise in the medical area presented and is further reviewed by committees from the Radiological Society of North America RSNA and the American College of Radiology ACR , comprising physicians with expertise in several radiologic areas.

Outside links: For the convenience of our users, RadiologyInfo. Toggle navigation. Which test, procedure, or treatment is best for me? There are two major causes of FLD: alcoholic fatty liver disease AFLD , which occurs as a result of drinking excessive quantities of alcohol. It is associated with obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes. As liver disease progresses over time, patients may begin to experience: appetite and weight loss weakness nausea yellowing of skin and eyes jaundice fluid buildup and swelling in legs and abdomen confusion and trouble concentrating.

Your doctor may also order imaging tests of the liver such as: Abdominal Ultrasound , which uses sound waves to produce pictures to evaluate the size and shape of the liver, as well as blood flow through the liver.

On ultrasound images, steatotic livers look brighter than normal livers, and cirrhotic livers advanced fibrosis look lumpy and shrunken. Computed Tomography CT of the abdomen and pelvis that combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body.

On CT, steatotic livers look darker than normal livers. Cirrhotic livers look lumpy and shrunken. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the liver.

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Cirrhosis of the liver ultrasound. What does an mri of the cervical spine show. Connect by text or video with a U. Talk to a doctor now. About Us. Contact Us. Security and Privacy. Apply for a Free Consult. For Individuals. For Doctors. The wedge-shaped liver is made up of 2 main lobes. Each lobe is made up of thousands of lobules. These lobules are connected to small ducts that connect with larger ducts to ultimately form the hepatic duct. The hepatic duct moves the bile fluid that helps break down fats and gets rid of wastes in the body that is made by the liver cells to the gallbladder and duodenum the first part of the small intestine.

Making bile. Bile is a fluid that helps break down fats and gets rid of wastes in the body. The spleen, an egg-shaped organ that lies between the stomach and the diaphragm on the left side of the body, helps to keep the blood healthy.

The spleen plays a role in the production of lymphocytes white blood cells that fight infection and disease , destruction of red blood cells, and filtration and storage of blood.

The biliary system is made up of the organs and ducts bile ducts, gallbladder, and associated structures that make and transport bile.

A liver scan may be done to check for diseases such as liver cancer , hepatitis , or cirrhosis. Lesions such as tumors, abscesses, or cysts of the liver or spleen may be seen on a liver scan. Enlargement of the liver or spleen may be seen on a liver scan. Portal hypertension elevated blood pressure within the liver's circulation may be detected with a liver scan when more of the radionuclide is absorbed by the spleen rather than the liver.

One to two times per month, Virtual Advisors receive a link to short, interactive surveys. All responses are confidential. The amount of the radionuclide injected into your vein for the procedure is small enough that there is no need for precautions against radioactive exposure. The injection of the radionuclide may cause some slight discomfort.

Allergic reactions to the radionuclide are rare, but may occur. For some patients, having to lie still on the scanning table for the length of the procedure may cause some discomfort or pain.

Patients who are allergic to or sensitive to medications, contrast dyes, or latex should notify their doctor. When the scan is over, drink plenty of fluids afterward and go to the bathroom as often as possible to help flush out any remaining radionuclide.

You can get back to your normal activities, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. If you notice swelling or redness around the IV site, call your doctor. A CT scan of the abdomen, liver and pancreas with contrast takes about 40 minutes. This includes 20 minutes for the test and 20 minutes for preparation. How do you get to your test?