Liver disease, cirrhosis: Why do test results come back negative?

Posted by kellywally @kellywally, Jan 28, 2023

I have had blood test, mri, ultrasound, ct scans and everything came back negative. Last year I had an ultrasound and FibroScan and it came back 60 percent fatty liver, and this year shows nothing? How can that be, I was a moderate drinker up until 3 months ago, I have been have extreme pain a round my belly button for 2 months, doctor thinks it’s portal hypertension, I can’t even touch it it’s so sensitive. My stool is light and doesn’t look like my system isn’t digesting right. Can you have cirrhosis with normal blood work and image. What should be my next step. Very concerned about my liver. Thanks

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kellywally | @kellywally | Jan 29, 2023

Can you have liver disease/cirrhosis even though blood work and images didn’t show. Is this possible?

hello1234 | @hello1234 | Jan 29, 2023

In reply to @kellywally "Can you have liver disease/cirrhosis even though blood work and images didn’t show. Is this possible?" + (show)

Hi @kellywally 😊
It's very nice to meet you! I am a kidney transplant patient, but I am sure a liver transplant patient will jump into this discussion shortly!
I am curious, is this what happened to you? No signs of liver trouble on imaging and blood work, but you just received a diagnosis of liver disease? Did symptoms instigate a visit to your doctor or how did this all start?

lbo615 | @lbo615 | Jan 29, 2023

Have they mentioned doing a liver biopsy? Do you know if they have checked a blood test -AMA M2 antibodies?

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Jan 29, 2023

@kellywally, Welcome to Connect. You have introduced an interesting question. As a patient I have been through many of those tests, and to the best of my memory, each one is given to provide information hopefully identify what is causing your symptoms and to determine a possible cause or identify a liver condition. Treatment will depend on your diagnosis. Some liver problems can be treated with lifestyle modifications, such as stopping alcohol use as you have successfully done. It is important for the disease to be discovered early, as it appears yours has been.

Here is a link to information about liver disease/cirrhosis. I hope that you will give it your attention, as it will provide an explanation of some of the causes and treatments that can help you to have a quality discussion with your doctor. You will find information about portal hypertension that can occur with liver disease.
-Cirrhosis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-problems/symptoms-causes/syc-20374502

You are justified to be concerned about your liver. And it appears to me that you are experiencing some symptoms that need to be addressed by your doctor. If I were you, I would request an appointment because he is going to be the best qualified to give you answers related to your own health situation. We are each different and with liver disease there is not a one-size-fits-all approach. I hope that you are being treated by a specialist.

What has your doctor explained about your diagnosis of Fatty Liver Disease? What kind of follow-up and monitoring is planned for you? What is he d0ing to treat the portal hypertension?

myfablife | @myfablife | Jan 29, 2023

Get to a Liver Specialist ASAP.. I had portal hypertension was put on meds right away until I could get to the specialist.
Take care u are your advocate for your health.💚💚

myfablife | @myfablife | Jan 29, 2023

In reply to @kellywally "Can you have liver disease/cirrhosis even though blood work and images didn’t show. Is this possible?" + (show)

Hi,
Wow to me it does not seem possible but of course I am not a Dr. 2yrs. LTP.
I had cirrhosis, liver blood work out of range. Portal hypotension. I never felt really bad in the beginning but by the time I got to the specialist I was very sick.
Please keep on top and ask your Dr how is this possible. Have them check your MELD score.
Good luck I hope u r in the very early stages and they can catch it early b/f u get really sick.💚💚

kellywally | @kellywally | Jan 29, 2023

In reply to @hello1234 "Hi @kellywally 😊 It's very nice to meet you! I am a kidney transplant patient, but..." + (show)

Yes, I had pain in my right side and back, all kinds of test and then had a hida scan, so they removed my gallbladder after 8 weeks of extreme pain, after gallbladder was removed, I started to have pain around belly button. Portal hypertension.