High gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is mainly seen in biliary tract obstructive diseases, acute and chronic viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, acute and chronic alcoholic hepatitis, and drug hepatitis.
1. Biliary tract obstructive diseases: biliary stasis or intrahepatic obstruction caused by sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, liver cancer, etc. can lead to the production of a large amount of GGT by liver cells, and at the same time, cancer cells can also synthesize GGT, which can cause the GGT to be significantly elevated.
2. Acute and chronic viral hepatitis and cirrhosis: in acute viral hepatitis, GGT is moderately elevated; in the inactive period of chronic viral hepatitis and post hepatitis cirrhosis, GGT can be normal or mildly elevated; if it continues to be elevated, it suggests that the condition is deteriorating or the lesion is active.
3. Acute and chronic alcoholic hepatitis, drug hepatitis: GGT can also be elevated, while ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (alanine aminotransferase) are only mildly elevated or normal; significant elevation is an important feature of alcoholic liver disease.
When abnormal serum gamma-glutamyltransferase values are found, prompt medical attention should be sought and further management or treatment should be prescribed.