Hepatomegaly

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
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Hepatomegaly
Hepatomegaly as seen on an ultrasound
Synonyms	Enlarged liver
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Abdominal pain, jaundice, nausea, vomiting
Complications	Liver failure, portal hypertension
Onset	Varies depending on cause
Duration	Can be acute or chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Infection, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cancer, congestive heart failure
Risks	Alcohol consumption, obesity, hepatitis
Diagnosis	Physical examination, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, liver function tests
Differential diagnosis	Hepatosplenomegaly, liver cyst, liver tumor
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Depends on underlying cause; may include medication, lifestyle changes, surgery
Medication	Diuretics, antibiotics, antivirals
Prognosis	Varies; depends on cause and treatment
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Liver measurements on ultrasonography

Liver size at the midclavicular line at 0 to 7 years

Prednisone tablets

Hepatomegaly is a condition characterized by an abnormally enlarged liver. The liver is a vital organ that performs many essential functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion.

Causes

Hepatomegaly can be caused by a wide range of conditions, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, and cancer. Other potential causes include metabolic disorders, genetic disorders, and infections that affect the liver.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hepatomegaly can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, jaundice, and fatigue. In some cases, hepatomegaly may not cause any noticeable symptoms.

Diagnosis

Hepatomegaly is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests. These may include ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.

Treatment

The treatment for hepatomegaly depends on the underlying cause. This may involve medication to treat infections or diseases affecting the liver, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, or in severe cases, liver transplant.

See also

• Liver disease
• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Congestive heart failure
• Cancer

References

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