What Causes Elevated GGT Levels?

Posted on Mon, 23 Jan 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 Answered on

Wed, 22 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My gtt has been high for 3 years already. I don't drink & smoke. My gallbladder has been removed a year ago, hoping my gtt will go down already. I recently had my lab tests done but still gtt is 274 u/l. I'm 5'1 and weighs 110lbs. My HgA1c is 6.3, cholesterol is 210mg/dl, triglycerides of 263mg/dl. My ALT & AST are normal. I dont have symptoms of liver disease, no jaundice, with normal color of stool, good appetite, no abdominal pain. What could have been the cause of my elevated gtt? My PCP has not seen any problem with me before except for gallstones that they have seen in my abdominal ultrasound & that's why I had my gallbladder removed a year ago.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking on HCM!

I read carefully all your concerns and I can say as follows:

1. You are reporting to have had elevated GGT level for 3 years. After reviewing all your medical data it may be related with :
- biliary tree dyskinesia whitch continues even after gallbladder surgery
- primary biliary cirrhosis( rare). You need to do ANA AMA and SMA tests.
2. There are some extra-hepatic causes of GGT elevation like:
- contraceptive and other medication use ( please tell me if you are using contraceptive pills)
- autoimune disorders like Lupus Eritematous.
3.I agree with your doctor about psoriasis creames that you are using. They are not related with elevation GGT level.

Please discus with your physician about the test that I mentioned above.

Wish you health!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (9 hours later)

I used to have an elevated AST & ALT before the cholecystectomy. But just worried because my GGT remains high. I dont take any oral medicines except for Benadryl due to my rashes. I usually develop rashes and itchiness everytime I get flu but resolves after few weeks. I dont know if it's because of the underlying liver disease or psoriasis. I dont take any contraceptives. I will be seeing my PCP this week and will open up the possibilities based on what you told me. Thank you very much & more power!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
Hi back.
It is really important in such cases to rule out other autoimmune disorders , since you have been diagnosed with Psoriasis.

After you perform all the exams I mentioned above we are going to discus about your diagnosis.

Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar