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Hepatomegaly

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Definition:

Hepatomegaly is the enlargement of the liver beyond its normal size. Hepatosplenomegaly is enlargement of both the liver and the spleen -- see splenomegaly .

Alternative Names:

Hepatosplenomegaly; Enlarged liver; Liver enlargement

Considerations:

The lower edge of the liver normally comes just to the lower edge of the ribs (costal margin) on the right side. In its normal state, the edge of the liver is thin and firm, and it cannot be palpated (felt with the finger tips) below the edge of the costal margin.

If the liver becomes enlarged enough that it can be palpated below the costal margin, the patient may have hepatomegaly. The diagnosis must be confirmed by an imaging study of the liver.

The liver is involved in many bodily functions, and is affected by a variety of conditions, many of which result in hepatomegaly. General causes include infection (viral, bacterial, or parasitic), malignancy (cancer or tumors), anemias , storage diseases, heart failure, congenital heart disease, toxins, and metabolic disturbances.

Common Causes:

• Alcohol
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Congestive heart failure
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Leukemia
• Tumor metastases
• Neuroblastoma
• Hepatocellular carcinoma
• Niemann-Pick disease
• Hereditary fructose intolerance
• Glycogen storage disease
• Primary biliary cirrhosis
• Sarcoidosis
• Sclerosing cholangitis
• Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS)
• Reye's syndrome
• Steatosis (fat in the liver from metabolic problems such as diabetes, obesity, and high triglycerides)

• Review Date: 1/23/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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