Hepatomegaly
August 18th, 2017
Overview
Feel For
- The size of the liver, by estimating the location of the upper and lower liver edges.
How to Elicit
- Percussion of upper liver edge - Percuss down the midclavicular line from the level of the third rib, with the struck finger held horizontal to the ribs. Once the top edge of the liver is percussed the percussion note will become dull.
- Scratch test for lower liver edge - Place the stethoscope over the liver just above the costal margin. Gently scratch the lower abdomen in the midclavicular line and slowly move up. Once the finger scratches over the lower liver edge the sound will be transmitted to the stethoscope.
- Percussion of upper liver edge - Percuss down the midclavicular line from the level of the third rib, with the struck finger held horizontal to the ribs. Once the top edge of the liver is percussed the percussion note will become dull.
Interpretation
- Normal female liver - 8-10cm
- Normal male liver - 10-12cm
- Hepatomegaly - >15cm
Causes of Hepatomegaly
- Congestion - congestive cardiac failure, hepatic vein thrombosis, cirrhosis
- Hepatitis - alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatosis, hepatitis, drug-induced
- Metabolic liver disease - amyloidosis, haemochromatosis, Wilson's disease
- Cancers - liver, stomach, pancreas, lung, colorectal, melanoma
- Infection
- Haematological - leukaemia / Hodgkin lymphoma
- Diaphragmatic depression - emphysema, pleural effusion
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