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What Does This CT Scan Report Indicate?

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Posted on Fri, 24 Jun 2016
Question: CT findings:
The liver is enlarged and has a nodular contour
Impression:
Nodular appearing liver and hepatomegaly suggests cirrhosis
What does it mean?
Are there other conditions that can be confused with cirrhosis?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
main other possible condition is nodular regenerating hyperplasia

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Cirrhosis is defined histologically ( when biopsy or sample reviewed by lab) as scarring/fibrosis (appearance of scars) and also changes of the liver from normal to form nodules.

The CT states that nodules were seen.

Cirrhosis is a stage the liver can go through as a result of different liver diseases meaning many different liver diseases can cause cirrhosis. Eg (a)alcohol use,
(b)non alcoholic fatty liver liver- due to diet and lack of activity, fat builds up in the liver causing inflammation and eventually cirrhosis if there are no lifestyle changes
(c)infection- hepatitis b and c
(d)liver disease caused by medication
(e)autoimmune disease
(f)failure of the right side of the heart
(g)idiopathic- cause is not known

There are a few other causes as well.

There are some persons with cirrhosis who do not have any symptoms at all related to it.

In terms of other conditions that may look like cirrhosis on imaging, the main possible other cause is a rare condition called nodular regenerating hyperplasia.
This is a benign (not cancer) condition where the liver changes causing the nodules to form.
There is no scar tissue as in cirrhosis. Again it has different possible causes but it can also result in symptoms of liver failure.

I hope this answers your questions, feel free to ask anything else
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (38 minutes later)
Thank you for your response.
I was born with a Complete AV Canel defect closed in early childhood. The scaring eve eventually lead to tachycardias. At age 30 I was diagnosed with atrial flutter. Once ablated successfully there was an underlying tachycardia of atrial fibrillation. In 2012 that too was successfully ablated however I did go into Cardiogenic shock, liver failure and kidney failure. I recovered after a few months. In 2013 I was diagnosed with right and left sided diastolic dysfunction with high pulmonary pressures. I do not drink and I do not have hepatitis. I have had a low platelet count as well as a high alkaline phosphatase test.
Is it likely cirrhosis due to my heart condition?
Can you have cirrhosis without high or abnormal liver panel blood tests?

I do have an appointment on XXXXXXX 1st with a Hepatolologist however I am going crazy with worry.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
the right heart disease can be related

Detailed Answer:
HI

It is definitely possible that your heart disease can be related since there is right sided heart problems, this would place increased pressure on the liver.

If the liver function test results are normal then this is good. As mentioned, some persons have no symptoms and this may be the case for you.
The normal liver function tests would indicate that the liver is still working okay

It is very understandable to be concerned, anyone would be but with normal blood tests, your prognosis is good compared to if there was impaired function or if signs/symptoms were present.

Please let me know if you need any other assistance
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 minutes later)
Thank you so much! This has definitely helped me. I can now rest easy until my appointment.
Thank you again.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
no problem

Detailed Answer:
Glad to help

Can contact if you have any other queries

Blessings
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Does This CT Scan Report Indicate?

Brief Answer: main other possible condition is nodular regenerating hyperplasia Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Cirrhosis is defined histologically ( when biopsy or sample reviewed by lab) as scarring/fibrosis (appearance of scars) and also changes of the liver from normal to form nodules. The CT states that nodules were seen. Cirrhosis is a stage the liver can go through as a result of different liver diseases meaning many different liver diseases can cause cirrhosis. Eg (a)alcohol use, (b)non alcoholic fatty liver liver- due to diet and lack of activity, fat builds up in the liver causing inflammation and eventually cirrhosis if there are no lifestyle changes (c)infection- hepatitis b and c (d)liver disease caused by medication (e)autoimmune disease (f)failure of the right side of the heart (g)idiopathic- cause is not known There are a few other causes as well. There are some persons with cirrhosis who do not have any symptoms at all related to it. In terms of other conditions that may look like cirrhosis on imaging, the main possible other cause is a rare condition called nodular regenerating hyperplasia. This is a benign (not cancer) condition where the liver changes causing the nodules to form. There is no scar tissue as in cirrhosis. Again it has different possible causes but it can also result in symptoms of liver failure. I hope this answers your questions, feel free to ask anything else