Ultrasound (US) Examination of the Liver in Moscow

The liver is a multifunctional and important regulatory organ. It restores glycogen reserves, provides the body with energy, neutralizes toxins and other harmful substances, and regulates metabolism.
Indications for Liver Ultrasound
If liver function is impaired, the following signs may appear:
•        Abdominal bloating causing discomfort,
•        Abdominal pain (may be acute, aching, stabbing),
•        Pressing pain in the right hypochondrium,
•        Metallic taste in the mouth, unpleasant breath odor,
•        Frequent constipation or diarrhea,
•        Changes in stool color,
•        Bright yellow urine,
•        Nausea after meals,
•        Persistent drowsiness, weakness, irritability,
•        Yellowing of the skin and/or sclera,
•        Excessive alcohol consumption.
Ultrasound helps assess the liver structure and determine its functionality. During the study, three main liver lobes are measured:
1.        left,
2.        caudate, and
3.        right.
The physician assesses for liver ptosis, enlargement, structure (homogeneous or with diffuse heterogeneity), and areas of fatty infiltration (when adipose tissue is distributed locally rather than diffusely throughout the organ).
Diseases Diagnosed by Ultrasound
Ultrasound diagnostics can help identify serious conditions such as:
•        Cysts. Their size may range from a few millimeters to 10 cm. This is a common finding, present in every third to fifth patient.
•        Hemangiomas. Benign vascular tumors requiring constant ultrasound follow-up (at least once a year).
•        Cirrhosis. One of the most common modern diseases, most often due to alcohol abuse.
•        Liver metastases. A secondary tumor caused by malignant cells spreading to the liver from another organ. Life-threatening if not diagnosed in time.
•        Jaundice. Caused by high bilirubin levels in the blood, leading to hepatocellular damage.
•        Fatty hepatosis (hepatic steatosis). Ultrasound helps not only to identify the condition but also to determine its stage.
•        Hepatitis. There are many types; one of the most common is alcoholic hepatitis, resulting from excessive alcohol intake.
•        Abscess. A pus-filled cavity in the liver, which may be secondary to other diseases (sepsis, cholelithiasis). Ultrasound detects abscesses at early stages.
Ultrasound allows detection of even minor changes in the functioning of different body systems.
Contraindications and Limitations
In cases of acute skin diseases, including purulent lesions, this method is not recommended.
Otherwise, liver ultrasound has no contraindications or restrictions. It is absolutely safe, making it suitable for pregnant women (with physician approval) and children of any age.
Preparation for Liver Ultrasound
Preparation rules are simple:
•        Since flatulence may impair the diagnostic image, alcohol, carbonated beverages, fruits and vegetables, bakery and flour products should be avoided for a few days. Chamomile infusion or activated charcoal may help reduce bloating.
•        Follow fractional meals: three small meals per day.
•        Limit fluid intake to 1.5 liters per day.
•        If bloating or indigestion is present, add enzyme preparations to improve digestion.
•        In cases of frequent constipation, perform an enema one hour before the procedure.
•        Refrain from food for 8 hours before the procedure, so that the organs remain in a resting state rather than engaged in digestion.
Procedure
The examination takes 15–30 minutes. The patient describes symptoms to the doctor, then undresses and lies on the couch in a supine position. The doctor may also ask the patient to stand or turn to the side.
Using a special water-based gel probe, the physician performs the scan. Images of the organs appear on the computer screen; the doctor records their sizes and characteristics in the report and may comment on findings during the procedure.
Liver ultrasound causes no side effects.
Results
Since data are recorded in real time, results are available within a few minutes.
Advantages of Liver Ultrasound at Expert Clinics
Proper nutrition, abstaining from alcohol, avoiding contact with toxic substances, timely diagnostics, and effective treatment help prevent liver disease.
Physicians at Expert Clinics in Moscow provide individualized diagnostic systems and treatment plans if needed. For a complete clinical picture, laboratory tests may be prescribed to ensure accurate conclusions. If abnormalities are detected, the physician will develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Even in the absence of symptoms, liver ultrasound should be performed once a year as a preventive measure.