Investigating Abnormal Liver Function Tests: Ultrasound Findings of Liver Cirrhosis
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Myka Bussey-Campbell
Location
Savannah Ballroom
Type of Research
Proposed
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
Waters College of Health Professions
Department
Clinical Sciences
Abstract
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a progressive hepatic disease and the 11th leading cause of death globally, placing a significant burden on healthcare systems due to complications such as ascites and hepatic encephalopathy. This case study examines the sonographic evaluation of a 68-year-old African American male patient presenting with abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) and a history of prior liver screening. A limited abdominal ultrasound was performed utilizing a LOGIQ E9 system with a 1-6 MHz curvilinear transducer to assess liver architecture. Sonographic findings revealed a shrunken liver with a nodular surface and heterogeneous echotexture, distinct from the smooth hepatomegaly typically associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Secondary signs of decompensation, including ascites surrounding the liver and pericholecystic fluid, were also identified. The case highlights the utility of ultrasound in differentiating cirrhosis from other pathologies and discusses management strategies, including sodium restriction, diuretic therapy, and the use of prognostic tools such as Child-Pugh and MELD scores to determine transplant eligibility.
Keywords: cirrhosis, abdominal ultrasound, ascites, nodular liver, liver function tests
Program Description
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Start Date
4-21-2026 1:30 PM
End Date
4-21-2026 3:30 PM
Recommended Citation
Stockdale, Catelyn, "Investigating Abnormal Liver Function Tests: Ultrasound Findings of Liver Cirrhosis" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 69.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026A/2026A/69
Investigating Abnormal Liver Function Tests: Ultrasound Findings of Liver Cirrhosis
Savannah Ballroom
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a progressive hepatic disease and the 11th leading cause of death globally, placing a significant burden on healthcare systems due to complications such as ascites and hepatic encephalopathy. This case study examines the sonographic evaluation of a 68-year-old African American male patient presenting with abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) and a history of prior liver screening. A limited abdominal ultrasound was performed utilizing a LOGIQ E9 system with a 1-6 MHz curvilinear transducer to assess liver architecture. Sonographic findings revealed a shrunken liver with a nodular surface and heterogeneous echotexture, distinct from the smooth hepatomegaly typically associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Secondary signs of decompensation, including ascites surrounding the liver and pericholecystic fluid, were also identified. The case highlights the utility of ultrasound in differentiating cirrhosis from other pathologies and discusses management strategies, including sodium restriction, diuretic therapy, and the use of prognostic tools such as Child-Pugh and MELD scores to determine transplant eligibility.
Keywords: cirrhosis, abdominal ultrasound, ascites, nodular liver, liver function tests
