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Can ultrasound detect liver fibrosis and its limitations?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had problems like gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. I had an ultrasound of the abdomen and was diagnosed with fatty liver. Will this ultrasound show fibrosis of the liver?

kindly advise.

Answered by Dr. Sultan Zeb Khan

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sultan Zeb Khan is a Medical Gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and management of digestive system disorders. He is committed to providing comprehensive care, using advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to improve gastrointestinal health and enhance patient well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Ultrasound abdomen can only tell about the presence of fat. For fibrosis and quantification of fat, another imaging modality is used, called Fibroscan. It is similar to an ultrasound. For confirmation of fibrosis, sometimes a biopsy of the liver is needed, but it is an invasive procedure, so we mostly rely on Fibroscan. For abdominal pain and abdominal gas, you can use the following medicines,

1 Capsule Esomeprazole 40 mg (proton pump inhibitors) once daily before breakfast for four to eight weeks.

2. Tablet Mebeverine 135 mg (antispasmodic) twice a day before meals for four weeks.

3. Tablet Rifaximin 550 mg (antibiotic) twice a day before meals for two weeks.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you, doctor,

Do you think I have fibrosis if my ALT is 31 and AST is 20? What is your opinion on this, but what do you think? I have had normal liver enzymes over the past 10 years.

Kindly advise.

Answered by Dr. Sultan Zeb Khan

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sultan Zeb Khan is a Medical Gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and management of digestive system disorders. He is committed to providing comprehensive care, using advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to improve gastrointestinal health and enhance patient well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Keeping in view the ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) values, I do not see anything you have liver fibrosis. So you should worry. Avoid fatty, oily food and sweets. Do regular exercises.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you, doctor,

I was so worried. I could not wait for a call from my gastroenterologist. Thank you for your response.

Kindly advise.

Answered by Dr. Sultan Zeb Khan

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sultan Zeb Khan is a Medical Gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and management of digestive system disorders. He is committed to providing comprehensive care, using advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to improve gastrointestinal health and enhance patient well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are always welcome.

Take care.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Nithila. A
Published At September 30, 2019
Reviewed At October 8, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sultan Zeb Khan is a Medical Gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and management of digestive system disorders. He is committed to providing comprehensive care, using advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to improve gastrointestinal health and enhance patient well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Nithila A is a Dental Surgeon specializing in providing comprehensive oral healthcare. She focuses on preventive care, routine dental treatments, and patient education to maintain optimal oral health. Known for her compassionate and patient-centered approach, she ensures comfortable and effective dental care tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sultan Zeb Khan is a Medical Gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and management of digestive system disorders. He is committed to providing comprehensive care, using advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to improve gastrointestinal health and enhance patient well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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