title: Abdominal ultrasound in the evaluation of the asymptomatic patient with abnormal liver function tests.
abstract: We retrospectively evaluated abdominal ultrasound studies of 273 asymptomatic patients with abnormal liver function tests over an 18-month period to assess the value of abdominal ultrasound as an initial investigation. In-patients, out-patients and general practitioner referrals were included. 143 (53%) examinations were normal. Those with significant abnormality (n=13, 5%) were referred for further investigation/treatment. Those with alterations in hepatic echogenicity (n=117, 42%) underwent clinical and biochemical follow-up, radiological follow-up or biopsy. 20% of patients underwent further radiological investigation. Ultrasound is a non-invasive, cost effective first-line investigation in the evaluation of asymptomatic patients with abnormal liver function tests.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, The Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland.
authors.forename: R F J
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Browne
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hamilton
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography