Ultrasound in the assessment of hepatomegaly: a simple technique to determine an enlarged liver using reliable and valid measurements

Date

2016

Authors

Childs, J.T.
Esterman, A.J.
Thoirs, K.A.
Turner, R.C.

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Journal article

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Sonography, 2016; 3(2):47-52

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Abstract

Introduction: Knowledge of the size of the liver is an important factor in diagnosingliver disease. Hepatomegaly is a term used to describe a liver that is enlarged beyondits normal dimensions, and ultrasound is often a front line investigation in the suspicionof hepatomegaly. This study sought to develop a reference range for the size of the normalliver using a simple, reliable and valid measurement technique. Methods: Two ultrasound images of the liver and a blood test were taken from 126participants. Three simple linear measurements were taken from these two images andconverted to a liver volume using a published equation. Results: The reference range for liver volume in adults without liver pathology wasfound to be 1060–2223 cm3. Conclusion: This new measurement technique and reference range is simple and easyto perform in the clinical environment. It has the potential to discriminate a liver normal insize to one with hepatomegaly.

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Copyright 2016 Australasian Sonographers Association Access Condition Notes: Postprint available after 8 March 2017

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