When diagnosing liver disease, doctors assess the patient’s symptoms and conduct a physical examination. They may also request various diagnostic tests such as liver biopsy, liver function tests, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, occurs due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Dark urine may also result from bilirubin excretion through the kidneys. Elevated bilirubin levels can stem from liver cell inflammation, abnormalities, or bile duct blockage. Jaundice is often the initial sign, and sometimes the sole indication, of liver disease.
Cholestasis refers to any condition where bile flow is reduced or obstructed, which may involve blockages within or outside the liver.
Liver enlargement, termed hepatomegaly, is common in liver disease. While slight enlargement may be asymptomatic, significant enlargement can cause abdominal discomfort or feelings of fullness.
Portal hypertension, characterized by high blood pressure in the portal vein, may arise from increased pressure or resistance to blood flow through the liver. Collateral blood vessels may develop to redirect blood from the intestine to the general circulation, bypassing the liver. Esophageal varices, dilated blood vessels prone to bleeding, may arise in individuals with severe liver disease due to portal hypertension.
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