Liver Cirrhosis Suspected? Essential Diagnostic Tests to Consider

If liver cirrhosis is suspected, it's important to undergo a series of diagnostic tests that can help determine the health of your liver and identify any potential damage. These tests provide valuable insights into liver function and structure, helping doctors make an accurate diagnosis.

1. Abdominal Ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound is often one of the first tests performed. It allows doctors to examine the liver's texture, check if the surface is smooth or nodular, and detect signs such as an enlarged spleen or widened portal vein—common indicators of liver disease.

2. Liver Stiffness Measurement (FibroScan)
A non-invasive test called FibroScan measures liver elasticity. If the result is above 14 kPa, it may suggest significant fibrosis or cirrhosis, warranting further investigation.

3. Abdominal CT Scan
When ultrasound and stiffness results are inconclusive, a CT scan offers more detailed imaging. It helps assess the liver's size, surface appearance, and whether the liver has shrunk or the fissures have widened—key signs of advanced cirrhosis.

4. Blood Chemistry Analysis
Liver function tests are crucial in evaluating cirrhosis. Low albumin levels often point to impaired liver function, as the liver struggles to produce essential proteins.

5. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A blood test can reveal complications linked to cirrhosis, including a low platelet count and reduced white blood cells due to an enlarged spleen and hypersplenism.

In summary, a combination of these tests—imaging studies and blood work—can help physicians accurately diagnose liver cirrhosis and plan appropriate treatment strategies for patients showing symptoms of chronic liver disease.