What is hepatomegaly in ultrasound?

Hepatomegaly is a term used to describe a liver that is enlarged beyond its normal dimensions, and ultrasound is often a front line investigation in the suspicion of hepatomegaly. This study sought to develop a reference range for the size of the normal liver using a simple, reliable and valid measurement technique.

How is hepatomegaly defined?

An enlarged liver is one that’s bigger than normal. The medical term is hepatomegaly (hep-uh-toe-MEG-uh-le). Rather than a disease, an enlarged liver is a sign of an underlying problem, such as liver disease, congestive heart failure or cancer. Treatment involves identifying and controlling the cause of the condition.

How do you determine hepatomegaly?

Detecting the Likelihood of Hepatomegaly When there is a suspicion of liver disease, we recommend that clinicians forgo the “scratch” test and use percussion to estimate the liver span (>15 cm = enlargement). Liver ultrasonography will be required to confirm the clinical findings.

What is a normal liver size on ultrasound?

By ultrasound, a normal liver span is usually <16 cm in the midclavicular line; however, liver size varies with sex and body size [1,2].

What is normal size of liver on ultrasound?

The liver typically extends from the fifth intercostal space to the right costal margin in the midclavicular line. By ultrasound, a normal liver span is usually <16 cm in the midclavicular line; however, liver size varies with sex and body size [1,2].

What is mild hepatomegaly?

Mild hepatomegaly is not a disease by itself but a sign of a disease. It can sometimes be normal or may be associated with fatty liver, infections like malaria etc. The finding of hepatomegaly cannot be treated in isolation and needs to be seen in the context of symptoms and other signs.

Is 15 cm liver size normal?

The size of the liver increases with age, from an average span of 5 cm at the age of five years, to 15 cm in adulthood. The size of the normal liver also varies with sex and body size. The normal liver weighs 1.4 to 1.5 kg in men and 1.2 to 1.4 kg in women.

What is hepatomegaly grade1?

They are: Grade 0 (healthy): Fat cells comprise 0–5% of the liver’s overall weight. Grade 1 (mild): Fat cells comprise 5–33% of the liver’s overall weight. Gade 2 (moderate): Fat cells comprise 34–66% of the liver’s overall weight. Grade 3 (severe): Fat cells comprise more than 66% of the liver’s overall weight.