How is Budd-Chiari syndrome diagnosed?

How is Budd-Chiari syndrome diagnosed?

Budd-Chiari syndrome is diagnosed through a physical examination and with certain tests. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and will look for signs of Budd-Chiari, such as ascites (swelling in the abdomen). Your doctor will also arrange for blood tests to check how well your liver is functioning and to learn if you are at greater risk for blood clots.

Imaging tests will determine if your veins are blocked by clots. These tests include:

• Ultrasound, a procedure that transmits high-frequency sound waves through body tissues. The echoes are recorded and transformed into video or photographs of the internal structures of the body.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan, which uses X-rays and computers to produce images of a cross-section of the body.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a test that uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to produce very clear pictures of the body.

To see if you've had cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), your doctor may order a liver biopsy (removal of cells or tissue for examination under a microscope).