Abnormal liver function found after an unplanned consultation: case outcome

Abstract

Four weeks ago (31 July, p 273) we presented the case of Mrs Prior, a 40 year old woman with cystitis, itching, and rash. When her biochemical results showed raised liver enzyme concentrations, her general practitioner was advised to refer her for ultrasonography and an autoantibody test (7 August, p 342). The scan

Patient's experience

“…It's not often that I'm ill and I had no intention of saying anything, but Bill brought it up for me because I wouldn't 1. Nineteen years ago I'd gone to my previous GP with bad stomach pains, and he just told me that it was an ulcer, so I always put it down to an ulcer.…”

Imaging in biliary obstruction

“…Mrs Prior was referred for ultrasonography after identification of abnormal liver function 1. Imaging of the liver and biliary tree is a common problem, and advances in ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging have improved our diagnostic ability 2.…”

The gap between doctors' and patients' perceptions

“…During her husband's consultation Mrs Prior mentioned three symptoms of her own: itching, cystitis, and a rash 1. She mentioned them as a “by the way,” and her general practitioner saw her and did some blood tests.…”