Hepatomegaly is a condition in which your liver becomes too big for the size of your body. It is a medical emergency and requires immediate evaluation by a doctor. Hepatomegaly may be caused by alcohol consumption, a medication overdose or hepatitis B or C. Other causes include infections, obesity, toxins, autoimmune disease, metabolic syndrome, cysts, tumors and congestive heart failure.
Hepatomegaly symptoms are yellowing of the skin and whites of your eyes (jaundice), feeling full, weakness, fatigue, and nausea. These symptoms are caused by excess bilirubin in the bloodstream, which is excreted through the kidneys. Jaundice is usually the first sign that your liver is enlarged, and it is often accompanied by other signs of liver damage.
Symptoms of hepatomegaly vary by person and can range from mild to severe. Mild hepatomegaly is not considered a medical emergency and is more like a wake-up call than a serious condition. However, if it persists for more than a few weeks or is associated with other symptoms, it needs to be evaluated by a doctor.
The most common cause of hepatomegaly is hepatitis B and C infection. If you have hepatitis B or C, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible to avoid liver damage and other complications.
Liver problems are often diagnosed through physical examination and lab tests. Some of these tests include hepatitis C antibodies, liver function tests, and a complete blood count. Other tests may include imaging such as a CT scan, MRI, ultrasound or liver biopsy.
Fatty liver is also a common cause of hepatomegaly, and it can be treated with medications and lifestyle changes. Other causes of fatty liver are diabetes, obesity, hypertension and high triglycerides.
Hepatomegaly is a common medical problem in both adults and children. The best way to prevent hepatomegaly is to follow your doctor’s instructions on healthy practices. This includes exercising more, eating a balanced diet and limiting alcohol intake.
If you have hepatomegaly, be sure to tell your doctor about any herbal supplements or vitamins that you are taking. Many of these herbs are not safe for your liver and can exacerbate the condition.
Palpation of the liver edge can be a useful hepatic exam maneuver for diagnosing hepatomegaly, especially if your patient has other symptoms, such as lower extremity edema or elevated jugular venous pressure. Using your stethoscope, lightly scratch the liver edge on the upper part of the abdomen along the midclavicular line.
There are several ways to palpate the liver edge, but it is most effective when performed with the use of a stethoscope. To palpate the liver edge, start from the bottom right quadrant of your abdomen and make a soft, pulsating sound as you move up along the midclavicular line toward the costal margin.
The pulsating sound is more noticeable in people who have other symptoms of hepatomegaly, such as fatigue or weight loss. A pulsating liver edge can be a clue to other medical conditions that require testing, including congestive heart failure and tricuspid regurgitation.
