Re: Re: liver cyst and bile ducts

January 25, 2008

The AMA is for PBC (primary biliary cirrhosis) and the ANA can be used as a

marker for AIH (autoimmune hepatitis) but also for PBC. Usually your

immunoglubulins and gamma globulin will also be elevated, along with GGT. The

biopsy is considered the " gold standard " though.

Good Luck

[ ] liver cyst and bile ducts

>

> Hi. I am new to the group and it seems like a terrific resource.

> I'll try to briefly describe my situation and if anyone has a

similar

> situation or reaction, I'd appreciate it. I have longstanding GI

> difficulties which have been well controlled for years and

without

> liver involvement. However, I have a liver cyst that was first

> identified about 7 years ago. Most recently, routine bloodwork

> revealed elevated lft's and my GI ordered a liver biopsy. The

biopsy

> revealed severe steatosis, but also extensive bridging fibrosis

with

> marked Bile Ductular Proliferation and Neutrophilic Cholangitis.

I

> understand this to be NASH, but due to the fibrosis and

inflammation,

> she said there was a possibility of an autoimmune disorder. She

also

> felt, though, that the inflammation could be related to the liver

> cyst. The, she ordered an MRCP. In short, she now believes that

> there is a " mechanical problem, " in that the cyst is blocking the

> bile duct and, thus, causing an engorgement of fluid. I am now

going

> to receive an ERCP with a shunt to be placed in the duct. She

does

> not believe there is malignancy, but can't be sure without

further

> data. I will stop here because this is getting pretty long and, I

> hope, not too technical for this board. It seems, though, that

> members here are very sophisticated about liver pathology. Thanks

in

> advance for any clarification or reaction anyone can offer.

>

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