Diffused Liver Disease Flashcards
What are the two imaging planes used in liver imaging?
Sagittal and transverse.
What is the significance of visualizing vessels in liver imaging?
It helps in understanding their drainage patterns.
Define hepatopetal flow.
Flow toward the liver.
Define hepatofugal flow.
Flow away from the liver.
What does the ‘Mickey Mouse sign’ indicate in liver imaging?
It helps in recognizing certain anatomical structures.
List the major functions of the liver.
- Detoxification of metabolites and drugs
- Synthesis of proteins, including albumin
- Production of bile for fat digestion
- Storage of vitamins and minerals (A, D, E, K, iron, copper)
- Regulation of metabolism and red blood cell levels
What role do enzymes play in liver metabolism?
They are crucial in metabolic processes.
How does liver damage affect enzyme levels in the blood?
It leads to elevated enzyme levels.
What are liver function tests (LFTs)?
Tests that assess the health and function of the liver.
What does elevated AST indicate?
Liver or muscle damage.
What is ALT specific to?
Liver damage.
What does elevated alkaline phosphatase (ASP) indicate?
Bile duct obstruction.
What are the characteristics of obstructive disease in LFT results?
- Elevated AST, ALT, ASP, and bilirubin
- Normal albumin
What are the characteristics of hepatocellular disease in LFT results?
- Elevated AST, ALT, ASP, and bilirubin
- Decreased albumin
What type of bilirubin is elevated due to increased RBC destruction?
Indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin.
What causes elevated direct (conjugated) bilirubin?
Intrahepatic disease or obstruction.
What characterizes nonobstructive jaundice?
Related to liver cell disturbances, such as hepatitis.
What characterizes obstructive jaundice?
Caused by obstruction in the biliary tract, such as gallstones.
What is hepatic steatosis?
Accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes.
What is cirrhosis?
Progressive liver scarring and dysfunction.
Describe the sonographic features of severe fatty liver.
Marked echogenicity, poor visualization of structures.
What does focal fatty infiltration present as in liver imaging?
Regions of increased echogenicity within normal liver parenchyma.
What are common causes of fatty liver disease?
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Alcohol consumption
What is the medical term for fatty liver?
Hepatic steatosis.
What is the sonographic appearance of acute viral hepatitis?
‘Starry sky’ appearance with enlarged hypoechoic liver and echogenic portal veins.
What is chronic viral hepatitis?
Hepatitis that persists for more than 6 months and can lead to progressive liver damage.
Describe the appearance of cirrhosis on imaging.
Echogenic and heterogeneous with coarse parenchyma and nodular margins.
What is the normal pressure gradient in the portal venous system?
5-10 mmHg.
What defines portal hypertension?
Pressure exceeding 12 mmHg.
What are common sonographic findings in portal hypertension?
- Splenomegaly
- Ascites
- Dilated portal vein (>13 mm)
What does hepatofugal flow indicate?
Reversed blood flow, often seen in severe portal hypertension.
What is Budd-Chiari Syndrome?
Occlusion of hepatic veins, leading to liver enlargement and fibrosis.
What is cavernous transformation of the portal vein?
Replacement of the normal vein with tortuous channels due to portal vein thrombosis.
What causes passive hepatic congestion?
Secondary to congestive heart failure.
What ultrasound findings are associated with passive hepatic congestion?
- Dilation of IVC and other hepatic vessels
- Little respiratory variation
