biliary tract Flashcards
Hepatocellular pattern
Transaminase (AST and/or ALT)
usually when you have an elevation of ALT or AST you also have an elevation of ______ as well
bilirubin
MC Type of pattern you’ll see
transaminase dominant
upper limit of normal AST ALT
40
Normally b/w 15 and 20
fatty infiltration into liver that results in mild elevation of transaminases
fatty liver disease
other liver function tests should be normal
chronic hep b and C you see
asymptomatic pt
screen with ALT transaminase level and look for elevation
medications that can elevate transaminases
(Tylenol, Rifampin, INH, Antifungals, Methotrexate, NSAIDS),
Herbal drugs, occupational toxins
usually anything that utilizes the CYP450 system
uncommon etiologies for pts with transaminase predominant panel
Hemochromatosis (iron OVER)
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Alpha-1-AT deficiency
Wilson’s Disease (COPPER)
Unknown causes
Autoimmune Hepatitis can be diagnosed with
circulating autoantibodies and high serum globulin
” Alpha-1-AT deficiency is seen in what population
deficiency (rare; neonatal hepatitis)
” Wilson’s Disease is due to
rare; copper accumulation due to abnormal biliary copper transport
AST predominant ratio
ETOH-related hepatitis,
cirrhosis due to viral hepatitis,
Wilson dz
ALT predominant
usually all other casues of liver dz (not alcohol)
drug-induced liver, chronic viral hepatitis (B&C), occupational, toxin related hepatocellular damage, autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson’s, Hemochromatosis, Alpha-1-AT deficiency, congestive hepatopathy, Malignant infiltration of the liver
you want to confirm the elevation of transaminases for at least how long
> 3mo
AST>ALT
- AST>ALT consistent w/ ETOH (rarely >300)
ALT>AST consistent
consistent w/ viral (values often >500 greater than hepititis
correlative factors with elevated transaminases
Correct reversible factors: obesity, ETOH, drugs, thyroid, celiac dz
mild elevation recommendations
abstain from alcohol and medication recheck in 2 months
what to do if you suspect if suspect fatty liver, splenomegaly, or tumor/mass
ULS- can see fatty infiltration
right upper quadrant
also done with biliary tract dz
what to do if it looks like they have hep c
Hepatitis panel (A, B, C)
elevated hematocrit or signs and symptoms of hemachromatosis
Ferritin, Fe/TIBC
what to do if you suspect Wilsons
Copper & ceruloplasmin in young patients
when would you do a liver biopsy
if no other source can be ascertained
primarily alk phos is made
in liver and bones
if you don’t have any signs or symptoms of biliary tract disease and you have a high alk phos
might be coming from somewhere else need to evaluate alk pho iso enzyme
Based on alk phos isoenzyme, it will tell you the origin of Alk Phos-liver or bone
GGT will be coming from the liver
common etiologies of elevated Alk Phos
Metastatic or biliary Ca
PBC (primary biliary cirrhosis)
Fatty liver (mild elevation of Alk Phos and mild elevation of transaminases)
Biliary stones
Pt’s w/ bone cancer will show elevation in
- Pt’s w/ bone cancer will show elevation in Alk Phos
ULN for alk phos
Upper limit normal is 150
what population do you normally see an elevated alk phos
kids
can be around 400
also pregnant women
GGT increased will tel you the elevated alk phos will
. So if you have elevated Alk Phos and an elevated GGT then you know the problem is in the liver
elevated alk phos and GGT increased what do you do
RUQ ULS
what are you looking for with a ULS if you know alk phos elevation is coming from the liver
dilated biliary ducts
why would you see an isolated elevation in bilirubin
Gilbert’s syndrome
mild elevation of just bilirubin
2 or 2.5 (normal 1 )
hereditary un-conjugated bilirubin that is relatively common
acute pancreatitis
inflammatory condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas usually due to
choledocholitahiasis
ETOH abuse
alcohol pt with abd pain
pancreatitis!
Pancreatic enzymes released into circulation causes
a. Hypotension
b. ARDS
c. Disturbance of coagulation cascade
d. Hypocalcemia
go into shock
predominant symptom of acute and chronic pancreatitis
PAIN
epigastric sharp stabbing through and through doesn't wrap around (biliary tract) BORING --> hot poker
pancreatitis is exacerbated by
Eating (PUD better w/eating)
ETOH
vomitting
turns out enzymes for digestion and hurts