Liver and/or Spleen

Liver and/or spleen enlargement is common among Gaucher patients. The size (volume) of the spleen and liver should be measured every one to two years by MRI, computerized tomography (CT scan), or ultrasound.

CT scans use radiation to take pictures of cross-sections of the body called slices. As with an MRI, patients must lie still on a bed inside a scanner. Depending on the type of study being done, patients may be injected with, or be asked to drink, contrast material that allows the radiologist to obtain clearer images of the organs.

An ultrasound uses reflected sound waves to produce a picture of the organs. During the procedure, patients lie on their back or side on a padded exam table. Gel is spread on the abdomen and a special instrument, called a transducer, is pressed against the abdomen and moved back and forth over it. A picture of the liver and/or spleen appear on a video monitor.