Liver biopsy (percutaneous or
transjugular)
Ultrasonography
Computed tomography (CT scan)
To show size of abdominal organs
and presence of masses
To detect hepatic neoplasms;
diagnose cysts, abscesses, and
hematomas; and distinguish
between obstructive and
nonobstructive jaundice. Detects
cerebral atrophy in hepatic
encephalopathy.
LIVER BIOPSY
Liver biopsy is the removal of a small amount of liver tissue, usually through
needle aspiration.
It permits examination of liver cells.
Liver biopsy is especially useful when clinical findings and laboratory tests are
not diagnostic.
Bleeding and bile peritonitis after liver biopsy are the major complications.
