Enlargement of the liver ...Hepatosplenomegaly

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EXCERPT

Definition

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 is said to have hepatomegaly.The liver is involved in a multitude of bodily functions and is affected by a variety of conditions>>>>ETC. >>>>

Common causes

alcoholism hepatitis A hepatitis B congestive heart failure leukemia neuroblastoma Reye's syndrome hepatocellular carcinoma Niemann-Pick disease Hereditary fructose intolerance glycogen storage disease tumor metastases primary biliary cirrhosis sarcoidosis sclerosing cholangitis