Gamma-GT slightly elevated
In uncomplicated viral hepatitis as well as in fatty liver and chronic alcohol consumption, the GGT level is elevated, but only slightly. This means that the measured value does not rise above 120 U/l. Even a congested liver, as occurs in the context of right heart weakness (right heart failure), does not usually lead to large outliers in this enzyme value. The same applies to infection with the Eppstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis (also known as Pfeiffer’s glandular fever).
Despite the comparatively small increase in gamma-GT, the underlying diseases require urgent treatment and should be monitored as they progress.
Gamma-GT moderately elevated
If chronic alcoholism has led to liver damage such as cirrhosis or alcohol-toxic hepatitis, an elevated gamma-GT value of up to about 300 U/l is found. Similar blood values are found in the context of the following diseases:
- Chronic active hepatitis
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (most common form of liver cancer)
- Liver metastases
- acute or chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
In addition to disease, taking certain medications over a long period of time can also cause gamma-GT to increase. These include, for example, anticonvulsants used in the treatment of epilepsy (phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone and others).
Gamma-GT strongly elevated
GGT values above 300 U/l in adults are referred to as a severe elevation. Such values occur mainly in liver damage due to poisoning. Responsible toxins are, for example, chemicals such as tetrachloromethane, benzene or nitro compounds, but also fungal toxins such as the α-amanitin of the tuberous leaf fungus. Liver damage in the context of biliary tract disease also leads to a marked increase in gamma-GT, for example in:
- bile stasis (cholestasis)
- severe inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) or severe inflammation of the bile duct (cholangitis)
The therapy measures depend on the degree of gamma-GT elevation and the underlying cause.
