Liver Ultrasound and Fatty Liver Ultrasound Pictures
One of the common ways to diagnose liver disorders and diseases is an abdominal or liver ultrasound.
Using ultrasound for liver, it is possible to analyze and determine the existence or non-existence of many diseases.
The ultrasound itself is a painless test that uses sound waves to produce images of your liver, and the entire process usually takes less than 30 minutes.
It is required to fast for at least 6 hours before the liver ultrasound test.
For accurate results, you should avoid avoid eating fresh fruits, fried food, milk, eggs, and bread the day prior the liver ultrasound test
This is how an abdominal or liver ultrasound room will look like:
You will be asked to lie on your back for this test. Gel will be put on your abdomen to help transmit the sound waves better. Your health-care provider will then move the ultrasound sensor around the area of your liver. He may ask you to hold your breath at times, or change positions.
The ultrasound images can help your doctor to know more about how well your liver functions, its size, and whether or not it looks normal.
Healthy liver ultrasound picture
Liver Ultrasound of a Healthy Liver
In the image above, it shows a typical healthy liver, at normal size, and with no signs of a liver disorder. A liver specialist would come to the conclusion that the liver is perfectly normal.
Lets take a look of a liver ultrasound picture with a liver disorder, a Fatty Liver in our case
Liver Ultrasound reveals a Fatty Liver
You can actually see the fat that covers the liver (the black area). Fatty Liver is a very common reason for performing an abdominal ultrasound. It’s the most common liver disease in the world.
I also recommend you to read full details on liver ultrasound preparation.
Related articles:
October 13th, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Can gallstones cause fatty liver and elevated ALT? ALT is 60 and I am sore and hurting on back under right rib cage. It is confirmed that i have gallstones. What should I do next. The Dr wants to do an EGD scope test. Should I request Dr. do biopsy. They only mentioned rechecking Blood in 2-3 months. I am concerned I do not just need to sit around waiting for more symptoms?
November 25th, 2009 at 4:24 AM
What is/are the ultrasonographic findings of fatty liver)?
(I knew only increased hepatic parenchymal echotexture and vascular blurring)
February 25th, 2010 at 12:07 AM
hi im a 36 and have nash they tell me if i dont lose weight i could die i’ve tried everything what should i do my liver is like 80 percent pact with fat i’m really trying help please i don’t want to die
March 20th, 2010 at 4:06 PM
I have a fatty liver and quit drinking and will take another ultrasound in 6 months to see if my lver is healthy again. MY ? IS AFTER it is cured and normal is my risk of getting it again if I start to drink higher then normal. I am hoping I will not abuse alcohol and drink moderately. Thanks
April 30th, 2010 at 10:20 PM
I am 28 years old and diagnosed with a fatty liver. I don’t drink or do drugs and I am only 40 pounds over wait for my height. I been having left lower rib cage pain and I don’t think it’s normal even though my doctor said that I am just to sensitive to my body. What can I do to ease the pain and is this normal or can this be caused by the liver inflamation I get no direct answer from my primary doctor should I get a second opinion.
May 1st, 2010 at 7:45 AM
Helen:
Yes, I think it would be best to get a second opinion. Feeling such pain isn’t very common with fatty liver. It could be something else than fatty liver.
July 30th, 2010 at 8:52 AM
My doctor’s impression is i have a fatty liver disease. i gain 40 lbs in 3 to 4 months,right now im feeling muscle pains in addition to being hypertensive and high in cholesterol. my latest lab test shows that my SGPT/ALT went high from 60.85 to 101.81 in a month. i have my ultrasound done saying that my liver has mild hepatic steatosis, normal sonogram of the gall bladder and non-dilated biliary tree. right now im feeling so much fatigue and muscle pains, and pain on my soles of both feet, especially upon waking up in the morning. could that be because of the fatty liver? im browsing all over the web but cant find anything about that. im thinking of consulting an orthopedic as per my doctors advice
August 19th, 2010 at 10:02 AM
Is fatty liver hereditary?
August 19th, 2010 at 4:54 PM
No, fatty liver is not hereditary.
August 24th, 2010 at 6:14 AM
I have fatty liver disease, however 1. I have weighed in the low to high 80′s ALL of my life up til recently. I am now 54 and have wt. gain up to 108 lbs. and although I am liking the wt. it seems to make me feel like I am suffocating from the inside out. Also another fact is that I do not drink and am obviously not obese. Now my PA says that she is not totally convinced that I have fatty liver disease even though an ultra sound was done. Am quite in a quandary about this one.
So my comment is: how do I know for sure if I have fatty liver disease or not and if I do the why do I have it. the test was originally to see if I have gall stones as my lfts were elevated. Certainly not from drinking, being obese or taking drugs abusively. I do not have any form of hepatitis either.
Marie
September 10th, 2010 at 9:30 PM
I just found this web page,i to have a fatty liver but i also have hep.B , i also have a lot of pain on my right side under my ribs, i also have gained about fifty pounds , my doctor put me on lasix 20 mg 2xs a day,i have so much cramping i can’t move sometimes ,but the doctors,want help me can u help ,i also have diverticolits,high boold presser,diabetis type 1 so if u can help me .THANK YOU
October 4th, 2010 at 8:49 AM
my doctor found out from my blood work my liver count is a little high she said i may have a fatty liver i have to go through a liver ultra sound on friday of this week.i am taking lipitor,
October 26th, 2010 at 4:12 AM
Hi XRis,
Have you tested your uric acid levels? Try to avoid animal proteins(mainly red meat).
October 26th, 2010 at 4:33 AM
Hi Marie Penn,
Eleveted SGOT/SGPTs are possible due to many reasons. Some of them include gall-stones, pancreatic problems, hepatitis(including auto-immune), copper/iron deposition on liver or NASH. ultra sonography can detect the fatty lever. You can do tests for copper(KF ring test of your eye)/iron deposition as well. If they come negative and you do not have gall-stone or pancreatic problem then it may be NASH. The diagnosis of NASH follows this method of rejection of other possibilities. Try to reduce weight slowly by walking etc. Take care. Take less protein, zero fat and more and more viamins. Consult your doctor. She will be the best guide, afterall.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:10 AM
Hi,
I am 30 and noted a “fatty liver,” on the ultrasound, but no concerned was raised. Should I speak to my doctor about this? I am making the attempt to lose weight.
November 17th, 2010 at 3:25 AM
Michelle,
If a fatty liver was diagnosed in your ultrasound, you should see a doctor for further testing.
- Mark
December 15th, 2010 at 11:24 AM
My son is 19 and the dr. said his level is high in his liver. He has to go and get a altrasound tomorrow. Is there anything to worry about? Him and his brother work out and they drink the muscle drinks. I heard that is not got for them. He is so healthy.
December 15th, 2010 at 8:41 PM
Hi I just had a ultrasound done last week. I was told there was possible Mild fatty liver infiltration on my ultrasound. I saw a GI and he said there is no way to tell Cirrhosis from Fat from Ultrasound. I am having a Biopsy next Weds.
I am 25 yrs old I have Stills Disease (Systemic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) I also had a positive AMA M2 auto antibody (which often indicates PBC)
But I do not have any of the pre cursors for fatty liver scares me it maybe cirrhosis.
I weight 145 and 5’6″ Good blood pressure usually like 110/60 good cholesterol. No metabolic disease. I do not drink smoke and exercise a couple times a week.
Can this be anything else
December 19th, 2010 at 10:07 AM
thanks 4 ur help.
December 24th, 2010 at 3:03 AM
I have fatty liver disease, however 1. I have weighed in the low to high 80′s ALL of my life up til recently. I am now 54 and have wt. gain up to 108 lbs. and although I am liking the wt. it seems to make me feel like I am suffocating from the inside out. Also another fact is that I do not drink and am obviously not obese. Now my PA says that she is not totally convinced that I have fatty liver disease even though an ultra sound was done. Am quite in a quandary about this one. So my comment is: how do I know for sure if I have fatty liver disease or not and if I do the why do I have it. the test was originally to see if I have gall stones as my lfts were elevated. Certainly not from drinking, being obese or taking drugs abusively. I do not have any form of hepatitis either. Marie
January 4th, 2011 at 12:17 PM
Here is what my liver doctor had to say to me when asked what should I do with the fatty liver disease and the Hep C since I have both.
Printer-friendly version To:
Joan E Doyle
From:
HIEN TRONG TRUONG MD
Received:
12/31/2010 8:12 PM
Hi,
I reviewed your ultrasound results.
You have hepatitis C and fatty liver.
They are both inflammatory conditions of the liver, and are separate.
Hepatitis C is an infection.
Fatty liver is a metabolic condition that is currently not well understood.
Some people have both at the same time, and you are one of them.
I have been addressing your hepatitis C, and am comfortable discussing it with you.
But I have to be honest I am not well-versed with “fatty liver”.
This condition should be addressed by your primary MD (Dr. Akabike).
She may refer you to a gastroenterologist.
Thanks,
Jonathan Truong, MD
Dept. of Infectious Diseases
Kaiser Lancaster
January 29th, 2011 at 9:23 PM
Please If you drink – stop drinking. If you are over weight – loose weight. DO not take Tylenol. If you have Diabetes – monitor your sugar, if the doctors do not listen, every time your sugar is high over 360, go to the ER to have it documented. I have two months to live and never knew my liver was failing. The beer companies and liquor companies should be sued just like the cigarette manufacturers were.
March 4th, 2011 at 3:53 PM
Hey Helen,
I also have the left side lower rib cage pains too but I do drink so thot it was maybe pancreatits Helen what did you find out? I’ve asked a couple of Docs about it while seeing them for my Hep C and even had ab ultrasound that must’ve been unremarkable b/c neither one of them seems concerned???? But it hurts.
April 9th, 2011 at 2:43 PM
Can fatty liver and cirrhosis be distinguished on an ultrsound? What about a CT scan? Thanks!
April 9th, 2011 at 2:49 PM
Hello Amy,
An ultrasound can clearly distinguish between a fatty liver cirrhosis.
April 13th, 2011 at 11:07 PM
I was just recently informed by my doctor that my liver numbers are higher than they should be. I have two questions. Question #1 I will be getting married in four months and of course I am trying to loose weight but since my liver numbers on the rather high side can the liver cause more weight loss? I have lost close to 30 pounds in rather short period of time.
Question #2 What happens if a person has fish, rice and fresh fruit the day before the ultrasound. The food listed before was what I had for dinner?
Thank you for your help
April 14th, 2011 at 3:07 PM
Hi Mark,
I see you replied. What type of specialty are you? Just curious. Also, I have read several blogs that say that ultrasound that shoes fatty liver COULD be cirrhosis because early stages of cirrhosis don’t have that “characteristic” look like the do in advanced? Also, how likely is it that if you have normal (low end normal) liver enzymes that you can have fatty liver or cirrhosis? I had an AST of 53 awhile back and ALT was 24. now it is AST 23 and ALT 13. My AST has always been a bit higher. When I had that “high” reading, I did drink pretty heavily the night before AND I went on a 4 mile run an hour before lab work. Would this affect it? Thanks!!
April 19th, 2011 at 6:27 PM
I am 64 year old female with celiac disease and fibromyalgia. A recent ultra sound shows I have a enlarged fatty liver. I’d been told prior to that that I have metabolic disorder. I’m morbidly obese; with no ability to lose weight. Muscles in my calves are extremely tender after exercise and will become hard like “Concrete” My masseuse notes this with concern every two weeks. I have increasing problems with shortness of breath and asthma like symptoms upon exertion. Recently I have been nauseous for no apparent reason and struggling with diarrhea. These last months I have had incontinence and lack of bowel control. Ugh! High blood pressure that is getting increasingly difficult to control. Could all of this be related to a liver problem. The last time my liver enzymes were checked the doctor said they were within normal range and we would wait for further developments?!!?!?!
April 20th, 2011 at 12:35 PM
i have just been diagnosed with hep c with a viral load of 13.9 million, my ast and alt are slightly elevated, i also have fatty liver and now my blood work shows high iron of 384. I am 49 i exercise i do not drink or do drugs, i had emergency surgery for and ectopic pregnancy in 1986. i weigh 120 and am 5 ft tall, my total cholesteral is 150 and all other bloodwork is perfect, except for the liver function, i am due for a liver biopsy in the next few days and quite honestly this has hit me all at once and i am petrified.
May 16th, 2011 at 10:35 AM
Dear Dr Mark,
On April 7, 2011 I was diagnosed mild fatty liver during taking ultrasound of my whole abdomen. That time my ALT was 133 u/l and AST was 57 u/l. The total bilurubin and ALP was within normal range. The liver size was 16.4 cm
Today I have got new ultrasound report and new LFT report. The liver size is 15.2 cm. and ALT down to 60 u/l, and AST 30 u/l. But my Triglycerides went up to 220 from 171.
Can you comment that my fatty liver is improving and reversing. I am taking low fat diet and exercising regularly.
Thanks
May 16th, 2011 at 1:45 PM
[...] least. The best way to confirm if you still have a fatty liver is a combination of blood test AND a liver ultrasound.Keep in mind that you will probably need to keep a healthy life-style all of your life, because [...]
May 26th, 2011 at 10:57 PM
My doctor given the report that there is MILD FATTY INFILTRATION OF LIVER,NO FOCAL LESION.And also parenchymal echotexture is mildly increased.please anybody could tell me about this report.
May 28th, 2011 at 11:46 PM
sir ,
i m 25age i m suffering gastro acidic problem one day m checking in asian institute of gastroenrology hospital hyderbad …ultrasound repot is
liver :normal in size and contour .Parenchymal echotexture is increased.
No IHBD .CBD is normal .Portel vein is normal.
pancreas :Head 30mm,body-17mm,tail-27mm
normal in size and contour .parenchymal
echotexture is altered.\no calculi .No pei pancreatic edema.no fluid collection.
SPLEEN :
normal in size and echotexture.
kidneys:normal in size contour .Parenchymal echotexture is normal.
Cortico medullary differentitaion is made out.no calcuit .no hydronephrosis.
urinary bladder partily full,no calculi.
aorta and IVC are normal.
No evidence of ascites no lymphadenopathy.no feeusion.
no mass lession inthe lliac fossae.
CONCLUSION ULTRASOUND FINDING ARE
–ALTERED ECHOTEXTURE OF PANCREAS,NO PERI PANCREATIC EDEMA,NO FLUID COLLECTION
—FATTY INFILRATION OF LIVER ,NO LESION
PLZ SEND IABOVE REPORT IS TRUE IN UNTRASOUND REPOT IS TRUE AND ANY SUGGESTION M REPORT SEND MY MAIL AND I WILL FOLLOW OF PRECATION MY HEALTH ,..I HOPE WITH YOU PROFICIANL DOCTOE SEND ME REPORT
June 10th, 2011 at 9:34 PM
I’ve been a very “social” drinker for the last year and a half. I went for a physical back in Aug of 09 and had high ALP’s. They did a GGT and it was at 88 (normal range is 3-50). I had an ultrasound and everything came back normal. I continued my social drinking and taking my medications – 50 mg of lamictal, 1 mg of xanax and 25 mg of adderrall. I went back for an exam/bloodwork a week ago and found out that now my AST’s are 54 (normal range 10-30), ALT’s are 57 (normal range 6-40) and my GGT test came back at 139. Just had my second ultrasound today and I’m waiting for the results. Not only have I stopped drinking completely, I’m wondering how these drugs I take daily affect my liver? Both of my parents are alcoholics and I’m more prone to turn into one due to my history. Regardless of what my results show, I’ve learned a valuable lesson folks – find a healthier way to manage stress and don’t turn to bad habits like drinking.
June 11th, 2011 at 2:17 AM
[...] on liver functionality.No signs of Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C found in the blood test.An abdominal ultrasound scan is taken to confirm a fatty liver.The liver ultrasound scan reveals enlarged liver and/or a liver [...]
July 10th, 2011 at 7:40 AM
I’m 31 years old I had a fatty liver and hepatitis b but i left it i stoped drenking for years ago i wen to liver function test normal and ultrasound normal and ct scan of my liver normal but i stel have right sid pain come and go that pain only 5 minute some time one a week some time evry day i need to help please what test to find out .
August 26th, 2011 at 4:25 AM
I am 27 years old. I have drunk more than the recommended amount for about 10 years now. Recently I have been suffering from Shifting abdominal pain, bloating, excess gas after eating and constantly changing bowel movements. Sometimes I have Diarrhea, sometimes I have constipation, sometimes it comes out pale and sometimes it comes out Normal-Dark, Sometimes it floats and sometimes it sinks. I have also had a few other symptoms like pains in my chest and difficulty with swallowing along with a cough. Because of the drinking I went to the doctors and he did some blood tests for Liver Function, Pancreas function and Urine samples for Kidney function. Everything came back normal and he sent me away. The pains continued as did the changing stools so I went back to a different doc. I explained the symptoms to him and showed him the blood test. His first reaction was to look at the tests to which he said everything looked fine and said I looked fit and healthy and should not worry. He did say the pain in the chest, difficulty swallowing and coughing was more likely nothing more than excess stomach acid so he prescribed Losec. I took that course of tablets with not much success so again went to another doctor. He sounded concerned about the pale stools saying it was fatty stool and did more blood test all for Liver, Pancreas and kidney function once more. Again everything came back normal and he said not to worry. He again prescribed some more Losec, and some antibiotics to treat a possible infection in the stomach. However, still no improvement in the symtoms. Along with the Blood tests ive just mentioned I also have blood tests every two years to check for AIDS, Liver function, Hepatitis and a few other things for my New Zealand Work Visa application. Im wondering after having so many normal blood tests is it safe to accept the different doctors confidence that all is normal or is there something else I should request. Just FYI the past year I have had 4 months completely abstained from Alcohol with no apparent change to symptoms.
September 10th, 2011 at 7:49 PM
My mother took an ultrasound 3 years ago and the result shows that she has a fatty liver while the gallbladder wasn’t found in the ultrasound.
Also at that time her SGPT level was high for about 2,000 fortunately.
After 6 months of taking vitamins for her liver her SGPT is getting on a normal level and the repeated ultrasound result was still fatty liver and the gallbladder still cannot be seen.
And now, she is having pain in the lower right part of her ribcage, she feel the pain after eating especially when she is full.
In addition, she doesn’t dispose regularly. If she disposed, it’s only a little and after many days of not disposing; she also diagnosed of having a hepatitis B and luckily it turned to anti-bodies..
My questions are:
1. what is the probable cause of not seeing the gallbladder during the two sessions of ultrasounds?
2. does fatty liver causes gallstones?
September 13th, 2011 at 9:38 AM
Hello Karen,
Fatty Liver does not cause gallstones. What could cause gallstones and some types of diets and weight loss programs.
Regarding the reason gallbladder wasn’t shown in the ultrasound scan, it could be by many reasons.
Do you have the ultrasound scan diagnosis papers? Please post it.
Regards,
Dr. Mark Bar-Gomel
September 17th, 2011 at 9:24 AM
Hello!!!
I recently done a blood test and it says A/G ratio is low- 1.40. Normal is 1.50 – 3.10
My Albumin, Glubulin and SGPT are normal.
I’ve read about this and found out that a low a/g ratio is a sign of liver disease. Possible Cirrhosis! Then I remember, last month, I had this skin itching, and i scratched a lot but there’s no bite or something.
Am I in serious trouble?
I hope to get an answer from you as soon as possible. Your response will be highly appreciated!
September 28th, 2011 at 4:26 PM
Dear Dr. Mark,
I just got diagnosed with “Fatty Liver”. I have had gallstones (i had the gallbladder removed now.), kidney stones and Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. My question is, are any of these related in causing the fatty liver?
October 6th, 2011 at 5:09 AM
Hello Leah,
There are two types of fatty liver: alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Which of the two you were diagnosed with? (probably non-alcoholic).
In general, non-alcoholic fatty liver is not causes by gallstones. Please read this article for further information about fatty liver causes.
Regards,
Dr. Mark Bar-Gomel
October 11th, 2011 at 10:22 PM
Hello Mark,
I recently did a routine blood panel and my ALT came back as 37. I did drink red wine the night before the test; however, I did fast for 12 hours. I have had on and off again pain on the right side of my stomach, very deep into the stomach that is very mild but noticable. Besides that I feel great. I have no fatigue, my stomach doesn’t hurt, my appetite is great etc. My cholestorol, thyroid, BP, weight, and tryglicerides are all good. I am going for a liver panel tomorrow morning. I am a drinker, and yes, I drink too much, but only on the weekends. I have decided to stop drinking all together. Should I be worried about a 37 reading, and what can I do to lower it. Does Milk Thistle work? I have always had good eating habits, i.e., lean meats, green leafy veggies every day, carrot juice, plenty of water, no soad, a small amount of dairy a day, etc. I don’t smoke and I have never done drugs. I don’t take acetemetophine either. Any advice would be greatly appriciated. I am so worried I have done permanant damage or that my pancreas is damaged, even cancer. I am 32, 5’6″ tall and 150 pound. Please, a word of advice would ease my mind.
Thank you
December 9th, 2011 at 5:08 PM
Yes i have drank olot band done alot of drugs.Im 46and dealing with alot of pain under my ribs on the right side thios has been going on for years mabye 20 .Im tired of getting blown off it hurts real bad and im tired of throwing money to have me told its in my head.I had my gallblader out many years ago so i now thats not it.
December 21st, 2011 at 10:47 AM
Hello Dr. Mark,
I was recently with Fatty Liver(non-alcoholic) at the age of 62yrs i only drink wine will that cause it , i’am a small person just recently moved to florida when diagnosis started doing alot of walking have noticed weight lose that seem to have come off . but i started walking before the moved but the weight gave of quick should i worry about this. plus i stop snacking at night drink more water plus i have a three yrs grandson that keep me busy with up and down two flight of stairs everyday. what i’am worry about now is that i have this pain on my left side it’s like a burning that comes now and then i feel think i need to have it look in. and it’s right under my ribcage, i’am really worried about the weight lost i feel good , but just a for the last week felt a little dizzy in the afternoon but that’s was it feel good sis there anything that i should worry about, please ease my mind.
January 4th, 2012 at 8:59 AM
Hello Dr. Mark,
My gallbladder was removed about 8 years ago and ever since then I’ve had to deal with mild side pain under my right ribs. I am 42 years old now. I have had elevated ALT’s for the last 3-4 years now, but they’ve been stable (anywhere from 60-85). Sometimes they are up and sometimes they are down. I’ve had several ultrasounds done and the doctors tell me that I have NAFLD. I also have mildly elevated Billirubin, which has been confirmed through multiple blood tests for the last decade. I’ve had two doctors tell me that I probably have Gilbert Syndrome. Up until the last year I have been a regular drinker (mainly beer) usually 2 per night. While I was drinking I started to develop bad headaches and diarhea. Since stopping the alcohol and improving my diet, my headaches are gone and now I tend to have more normal bowel movements. I’ve also dropped some weight, from 185 down to 160. My question is this. I feel a lot better since making these changes but my ALT’s are still elevated, but staying at a consistent level. Are these levels of ALT’s to be expected in someone after gallbladder surgery? I also taking supplements like Milk Thistle and Choline on occasion as well as a B-complex vitamin regularly.
I’ve been to a gastrointerologist and his only advice is a liver biopsy to rule out any other stuff. But the last time I saw him my ALT’s had dropped so he released me and told me to have my blood work checked every six months for the next two years. What other tests could be done to rule out any other problems? Can MRI and CT scans detect liver problems? I’ve even wondered if I could be experiencing phantom pain from my surgery years ago. The discomfort comes and goes but it occurs on my right side, just about 3-4 inches to the right of my spine and about an inch above my lowest rib. I also wonder since my bowel movements have changed from diarhea to more solid (sometime constipation) that my colon may need to be looked at. My last colonoscopy was about 10 years ago.
There are a few things going on here and I want a second opinion. Is there any advice you could give me.
January 9th, 2012 at 8:41 PM
I was told I have a fatty liver, that was last year. It scares me to I have panic attacks. I feel so full in my upper right Quardrent and sometimes my left. I think I need to ask my doctor t give me a thorough examine. Even if it means hospitalization. At least then I will know how I really am doing and what I don’t have to look forward to. It takes up most of my free time, that;s all I think about.
January 31st, 2012 at 9:50 AM
hi mark
am 43 ive been drinking for 25years and now have a fatty liver if i dont stop i will
die,how long will that be ??and what can i take to remove the fat out of my liver
thanks
January 31st, 2012 at 10:02 AM
i dont no why that time says 9.50am when it was 4pm