Medical Health Encyclopedia

The results of these tests along with the presence of specific complications (ascites and encephalopathy) are used for calculating the Child-Pugh Classification. This is a staging system (A to C) that helps physicians determine the severity of cirrhosis.

Specific Blood Tests for Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

Very high levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme produced in the liver, and high levels of immune factors called mitochondrial antibodies are usually present in blood tests of patients with primary biliary blood cirrhosis. Bilirubin measurements appear to be important factors in determining its severity.

Imaging Tests

A number of imaging tests can be used to diagnose cirrhosis and its complications.

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Imaging Techniques. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound are all imaging techniques that are useful in detecting and defining the extent of cirrhosis. Such tests can reveal ascites, enlarged spleen, irregular liver surface, reversed portal vein blood flow, and liver cancer. Sometimes they can even detect abnormally large blood vessels in the liver. In some cases, images from ultrasound and CT can be misinterpreted as cancer. MRI is most useful for ruling out or confirming cancer.

Click the icon to see an image of an MRI scan.

Click the icon to see an image of a CT scan.

Liver Scans. Sometimes liver scans are performed using a small radioactive tracer and a special camera that records information provided by the tracer as it passes through the liver:

• Arteriography uses dye injected into the hepatic arteries that show up on x-ray.
• Splenoportography uses dye injected into the spleen, which allows the physician to measure portal vein pressure; this procedure is risky.

Hepatic Vein Wedge Pressure

Hepatic vein wedge pressure involves insertion of a catheter into the hepatic veins. The blood pressure in the veins of the liver is then measured. The result is an indicator of portal vein pressure. If pressure is high, cirrhosis is likely. A low measurement is a favorable sign.

Other Tests Used to Detect Complications of Cirrhosis