Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Hepatomegaly

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Hepatosplenomegaly; Enlarged liver; Liver enlargement


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 a fever?
  • What medications are you taking?
  • How much alcohol do you drink?

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

  • Abdominal x-ray
  • Abdominal ultrasound (may 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
  • MRI scan of the abdomen

Review Date: 05/22/2011
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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)