Hepatomegaly

Liver fattening, CT scan

A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing a fatty liver (steatosis of the liver). Note the liver enlargement and dark color compared with the spleen (gray body in lower right).

Also known as: Hepatosplenomegaly, Enlarged liver or Liver enlargement

Definition

Hepatomegaly is swelling of the liver beyond its normal size.

If both the liver and spleen are enlarged, it is called hepatosplenomegaly.

See also: Splenomegaly

Considerations

The lower edge of the liver normally comes just to the lower edge of the ribs (costal margin) on the right side. The edge of the liver is normally thin and firm, and it cannot be felt with the finger tips below the edge of the ribs, except when you take a deep breath. It may be considered enlarged if a health care provider can feel it in this area.

Common Causes

The liver is involved in many bodily functions and is affected by a variety of conditions, many of which result in hepatomegaly.

Causes of hepatomegaly may include:

Call your health care provider if

This condition is usually discovered by a health care provider. You may not be aware of the liver or spleen swelling.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The doctor will examine you and ask questions such as:

  • Did you notice a fullness or lump in the abdomen?
  • What other symptoms do you have?
  • Is there any abdominal pain?
  • Is there any yellowing of the skin (jaundice)?
  • Is there any vomiting?
  • Is there any unusual-colored or pale-colored stools?
  • Have you had any fever?
  • What medications are you taking?
  • How much alcohol do you drink?

Tests to determine the cause of the hepatomegaly vary, depending on the suspected cause, but may include:

  • Abdominal x-ray
  • Ultrasound of the liver (must be done to confirm the condition if the doctor thinks your liver feels enlarged during a physical exam)
  • CT scan of the abdomen
  • Liver function tests, including blood clotting tests
  • Other tests for suspected causes

References

Bergasa MV. Approach to the patient with liver disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 149.

See also:

  • Disease

    Anemia

    Red blood cells, sickle cell

    Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. See also:

  • Symptoms

    Splenomegaly

    Splenomegaly

    Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen beyond its normal size.

Review date:
May 2, 2009
Reviewed by:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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