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liver_cirrhosis
Medical Ultrasound Scans
August 11, 2023 by Londonsono 0 Comments

Understanding Liver Cirrhosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

At our ultrasound clinic in London, we recognize the importance of educating our community about various liver conditions. Liver cirrhosis is a serious health concern that requires awareness, understanding, and timely management. In this article, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and effective strategies for managing liver cirrhosis.

What is Liver Cirrhosis?

Liver cirrhosis is a progressive and irreversible condition in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. This scarring affects the liver’s normal structure and function, impairing its ability to perform vital tasks such as detoxification, protein synthesis, and bile production. If left untreated, cirrhosis can lead to severe complications, including liver failure.

Causes of Liver Cirrhosis:

Chronic Alcohol Abuse: Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of cirrhosis. Alcohol can directly damage liver cells and promote the accumulation of scar tissue.

 

Chronic Viral Hepatitis: Chronic infection with hepatitis B or C viruses can lead to ongoing inflammation and scarring of the liver, ultimately resulting in cirrhosis.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): NAFLD, often associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, involves the accumulation of fat in the liver. Over time, this can progress to cirrhosis.

Autoimmune Hepatitis: In this condition, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells, causing inflammation and potential cirrhosis.

Genetic Disorders: Certain genetic conditions, such as hemochromatosis (excess iron accumulation) and Wilson’s disease (copper buildup), can contribute to cirrhosis.

Biliary Diseases: Conditions that affect the bile ducts, such as primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, can lead to cirrhosis.

Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis:

In its early stages, cirrhosis may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, the following signs and symptoms may emerge:

 

Fatigue and weakness.

Loss of appetite.

Unexplained weight loss.

Nausea and vomiting.

Abdominal pain and discomfort.

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Swelling in the legs and abdomen.

Itchy skin.

Importance of Early Detection:

Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing cirrhosis and preventing further liver damage. As a reputable ultrasound clinic in London, we offer advanced imaging techniques that aid in the early diagnosis and monitoring of liver health.

Diagnostic Tools:

Ultrasound: Our high-resolution ultrasound imaging can detect changes in the liver’s structure, evaluate blood flow, and identify signs of cirrhosis.

FibroScan®: This non-invasive test measures liver stiffness, providing information about the degree of fibrosis (scarring) present in the liver.

Blood Tests: Specific blood markers can indicate liver function and the severity of cirrhosis.

Management and Treatment:

While cirrhosis is not reversible, effective management can slow its progression and alleviate symptoms:

Lifestyle Changes: If alcohol-related, abstaining from alcohol is crucial. Adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can improve liver health.

Medications: Depending on the underlying cause of cirrhosis, medications may be prescribed to manage complications, reduce inflammation, or address specific symptoms.

Regular Monitoring: Routine medical check-ups and follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the progression of cirrhosis and address any emerging issues.

Advanced Interventions: In some cases, advanced treatments such as liver transplantation may be considered for eligible patients with severe cirrhosis.

Fibroscan (Liver Elastography)

Prevention:

  • Preventing cirrhosis involves addressing its underlying causes and making healthy lifestyle choices:
  • Limit alcohol consumption or abstain from it entirely.
  • Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
  • Practice safe sex to reduce the risk of hepatitis transmission.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and manage conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol.
  • Avoid sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia.

Conclusion:

Liver cirrhosis is a serious condition that demands attention, understanding, and early management. As a dedicated ultrasound clinic in London, we are committed to supporting our community’s liver health through advanced imaging techniques and comprehensive care. If you suspect you may be at risk for cirrhosis or are experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact our clinic for an evaluation. By raising awareness and taking proactive steps to address risk factors, we can collectively work towards preventing and effectively managing cirrhosis. Your liver health is our priority, and we are here to provide the support you

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Medical Ultrasound Scans
August 11, 2023 by Londonsono 0 Comments

Hepatitis B and C: Causes, Symptoms, and Importance of Early Detection

 

Hepatitis B and C are two types of viral infections that primarily affect the liver. They are a significant global health concern, with millions of people affected worldwide. As a leading ultrasound clinic in London, we understand the importance of raising awareness about these infections, their causes, symptoms, and the crucial role of early detection and management.

Hepatitis B:

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or other body fluids. It can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth, through sexual contact with an infected person, or by sharing needles and other drug-injection equipment. Here’s what you need to know about hepatitis B:

Causes of Hepatitis B

The cause of Hepatitis B is a blood bourne virus and can be spread via transmission through the blood or bodily fluids.

Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.

Sharing needles or syringes with an infected person.

From mother to child during childbirth.

Accidental needlesticks or other sharp instrument injuries.

Symptoms:

 

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
  • Fatigue.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Dark urine and pale stools.
  • Joint pain.
  • Loss of appetite.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood. It is a major cause of chronic liver disease, leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Understanding hepatitis C is crucial for preventing its spread and managing its impact:

Causes of Hepatitis C

The causes of hepatitis C are limited as the disease is blood bourne and therefore only  passed by blood.

Sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia.

Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant before widespread screening.

Needlestick injuries in healthcare settings.

Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth (less common).

Symptoms:

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

  • Fatigue.

  • Abdominal pain.

  • Loss of appetite.

  • Nausea and vomiting.

  • Dark urine and pale stools.

  • Joint pain.

Importance of Early Detection:

Both hepatitis B and C infections can be “silent” for many years, showing no noticeable symptoms. This makes regular screenings and early detection critically important, especially if you are at risk due to potential exposure. As a leading ultrasound clinic in London, we offer advanced imaging techniques that can assist in diagnosing and monitoring the progression of these infections.

Diagnostic Tools:

Ultrasound: London Private Ultrasound clinic high-resolution ultrasound imaging that can detect changes in the liver’s structure and identify any signs of liver damage or scarring (cirrhosis).

Blood Tests: Specific blood tests can identify markers of hepatitis B and C infections, helping us determine the presence and severity of the virus in your body.

FibroScan®: This non-invasive test measures liver stiffness, aiding in the assessment of liver fibrosis (scarring) caused by chronic hepatitis.

Prevention and Management:

Preventing hepatitis B and C involves adopting certain precautions:

  • Practice safe sex and use barrier methods.

  • Do not share needles, razors, or personal items that may have come into contact with blood.

  • Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.

  • Screen blood and organ donations.

  • Ensure proper sterilization of medical equipment.

 

Book Private Liver Fibroscan (shearwave Elastography)

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Time is of the essence

Hepatitis B and C are serious viral infections that can lead to severe liver damage if left untreated. As a trusted ultrasound clinic in London, we emphasize the importance of awareness, early detection, and regular screenings for those at risk. Our advanced imaging techniques, including ultrasound and FibroScan®, play a crucial role in diagnosing, monitoring, and managing these infections.

 

Remember, early detection and proper medical guidance can lead to better outcomes and a healthier liver. If you suspect you may be at risk or need to schedule a screening, don’t hesitate to contact us. Your liver health is our priority and we can often provide same day appointments – available to book online.

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Medical Ultrasound Scans
March 31, 2022 by London Private Ultrasound 0 Comments

Liver and Abdominal Ultrasound Scans

Abdominal and Liver Imaging

The liver is located in the upper right-hand portion of the abdominal cavity, beneath the diaphragm, and on top of the stomach, right kidney, and intestines. It is divided by the falciform ligament into the bigger right lobe and smaller left lobe.

 

Abdominal ultrasound Is the first-line imaging modality used to examine liver diseases. It is a safe, painless, and non-invasive procedure. Ultrasound is highly sensitive in detecting diffuse and focal lesions within the liver including cysts tumors and abscesses. It is therefore one of the best choices for diagnosing the type of liver disease responsible for the affliction of symptoms.

Types of liver disease

Hepatomegaly: Hepatomegaly is the enlargement of the liver beyond its normal size. Hepatomegaly itself is not a liver disease, it is however, an indicator of the potential of underlying liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, and fatty infiltration of the liver.

Hepatic cysts: Hepatic cysts are fluid-filled lesions within the liver parenchyma. They are usually discovered incidentally. Simple hepatic cysts are mostly congenital cysts. They can also be seen in polycystic liver disease. Complex cysts are defined as lesions that contain complex features. They can occur due to Trauma (hematoma), parasites (echinococcal cysts), and inflammation (abscess). A hematoma is caused by blunt abdominal trauma injuring the liver. A liver abscess is a mass filled with puss in the liver that can develop from injury or infection. Patients present with fever and right upper quadrant pain.

Fatty liver: Fatty infiltration of the liver can either be focal or diffuse. Diffuse fatty Liver is the most common liver pathology. it is the build-up of fat in the liver. It is commonly found in the right lobe of the liver and the most common cause of this liver disease is likely to be obesity. Other causes include excessive intake of alcohol, diabetes, hepatitis, chemotherapy, and pregnancy. It can also be a precursor to liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Fatty liver can be mild, moderate, or severe. Conversely, focal fatty sparing is a condition where there is normal liver parenchyma within a fatty infiltrated liver.

Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a liver disease that through a diffuse process destroys the liver. This damage to the liver is characterized by the replacement of normal liver tissue with scar tissue. There are various causes of liver cirrhosis. Alcohol consumption is the most common cause which leads to the early stages. Excessive consumption of alcohol over a longer period can lead to end-stage liver disease where the liver becomes scarred. Other causes include viral hepatitis B and C, toxic drugs, and biliary obstruction. Patients with cirrhosis have an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Focal liver masses can be visualized on ultrasound in several clinical situations, from incidental findings to identification in a symptomatic patient as part of a targeted search in a patient who is at risk for a hepatic neoplasm. Haemangiomas, Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), and adenomas are the most common benign neoplasms seen in the liver, whereas hepatic cellular carcinoma and metastases make up the majority of malignant tumors.

Haemangioma: Haemangiomas are the most common solid benign tumor in the liver. They can occur at any age but are more common in adults, particularly women. They are usually incidental findings, and most patients are asymptomatic. However, during pregnancy, it can grow and cause pain.

Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH): FNH is the second most common benign tumor of the liver. It is mainly found in younger women and is usually found incidentally; therefore, most patients are asymptomatic. Hormonal effects might play a role as FNH is more common in women than men.

Adenoma: Adenoma is a rare benign liver tumor. It is a true hepatic encapsulated neoplasm containing atypical hepatocytes which have areas of hemorrhage and necrosis. They are linked to long-term oral contraceptive use therefore it is more common in women (90%). However, it can shrink once the contraceptives are stopped. It can be asymptomatic, or the patient can present with right upper quadrant pain.

Angiomyolipoma: kidney tumor is made up of fat, blood vessels, and smooth muscle tissue. They often develop in people with tuberous sclerosis, a genetic condition that causes non-cancerous tumors to form in many organs, including the eyes, skin, brain, lungs, heart, and kidneys.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. It is more common in men than women with a ratio of 5:1. HCC occurs at a later age and is unusual under the age of 40. It is hugely associated with Hepatitis, alcoholism, and cirrhosis. It can occur in 3 forms, a solitary tumor, multiple nodules, or diffuse infiltration. It causes biliary obstruction, jaundice, portal vein thrombosis, and ascites. Symptoms of HCC include right upper quadrant pain, a palpable mass, hepatomegaly, and fever.

Liver metastases: Liver metastasis is the spread of a cancerous tumor to the liver. Its incidence is 20x greater than HCC. The most common primary tumors resulting in liver metastases include colon, breast, lung, and pancreas. The liver is vulnerable due to the large amounts of blood received from the portal vein and the high nutrient level and large lymphatic reserve. Metastases can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Symptomatic patients present with pain, jaundice, and hepatomegaly. In addition, liver function tests are abnormal.

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Abdominal Ultrasound Scans

London Private Ultrasound Liver disease Clinics

At London Private Ultrasound we provide a specialist ultrasound clinic with specialists in the abdominal region and specific to the liver, types of liver disease and cancer experts.

We provide emergency and same-day appointments from our Central London location and can often provide fast track reporting and diagnosis.

If you are looking to book a liver scan in London, you can book a suitable appointment time online and take advantage of a range of services created to detect early warning signs and allow prompt remedial actions.

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