hepatomegali
Hepatomegaly is the enlargement of the liver beyond its normal size. It can be detected on physical examination as a liver edge that extends below the right costal margin, or by imaging measurements that exceed reference ranges for liver size. In adults, a liver span beyond the normal limits on ultrasound or other imaging is often used as a threshold, though exact values vary with body size.
Most causes of hepatomegaly are secondary to an underlying liver or systemic condition. Patients may be asymptomatic,
Common categories of causes include:
- Inflammatory or injury-related: viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Congestive or vascular: right heart failure, Budd-Chiari syndrome, other forms of venous outflow obstruction.
- Infiltrative or storage diseases: hemochromatosis, amyloidosis, Wilson disease, glycogen storage disorders.
- Neoplastic: primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) or metastatic involvement.
- Drug- or toxin-induced: acetaminophen overdose, methotrexate, amiodarone, certain herbal supplements.
- Infections and less common conditions: malaria, other systemic infections in certain settings.
Diagnosis involves a structured approach: detailed history and exam, baseline laboratory tests (liver function tests, complete