What would cause AST and ALT to rise if patient has appendicitis?

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) are enzymes primarily found in the liver, and elevated levels of these enzymes in the bloodstream often indicate liver damage or inflammation. However, in the case of appendicitis, AST and ALT elevations are not typically observed.

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped organ attached to the large intestine. While inflammation and infection in the appendix can cause various symptoms, such as abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting, it does not usually lead to significant liver damage or dysfunction.

The primary laboratory abnormalities associated with appendicitis are elevated white blood cell count and C-reactive protein (CRP), which are indicators of inflammation in the body. AST and ALT elevations are more commonly seen in conditions that directly affect the liver, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, or certain medications and toxins.

Therefore, it is unlikely for AST and ALT levels to rise solely due to appendicitis. If a patient with appendicitis exhibits elevated AST and ALT, it is essential to investigate other potential causes and rule out other underlying conditions that may be contributing to these enzyme elevations.