Liver Pathology question

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

canary90

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Joined
Dec 11, 2015
Messages
44
Reaction score
35
Can someone please explain that when there is an elevated serum ALP and a marginally elevated ALT and contrast enhanced CT scan of abdomen shows multiple lesions
Is it liver metastasis or cholangiocarcinoma? And why? Why not the other one?
 
Last edited:
The answer was indeed Liver metastasis and that's how it looks looking at the CT scan; however since the question stem states ALP>> ALT, I picked cholangiocarcinoma, which was a wrong choice.
I fail to understand if its liver metastasis why does the stem say ALP>>ALT which is more of a sign of obstructive lesion...
 
Raised ALP is an indicator of any sort of duct damage, not just obstruction; so it could be raised in either of these conditions. Also, ALP is a pretty non-specific marker.

The CT on the other hand supports a diagnosis of metastasis, so its the best answer, imo.

That makes sense... True, CT goes with metastasis. I shouldn't overthink :blackeye:😀
Thanks! 🙂
 
Top