| Author | Topic:
What is the cut off size for enlarged liver ? | That Girl
Member | 
posted
09-15-09 
 
Liver: An organ in the upper abdomen that aids in digestion and removes waste products and worn-out cells from the blood. The liver is the largest solid organ in the body. The liver weighs about three and a half pounds (1.6 kilograms). It measures about 8 inches (20 cm) horizontally (across) and 6.5 inches (17 cm) vertically (down) and is 4.5 inches (12 cm) thick.
" I found the above " Abdominal LIVER is not my specialty, but curious as to this information above , is this true , the liver can be that big ? "
Posts:
187 | From: fl | Registered: 02-18-02 |
| | That Girl
Member |
posted
09-16-09
quote:
Originally posted by sonomatt:
Literature varies on what constitutes "Hepatomegly". Most radiologist will call the liver enlarged when the midclavicular length is greater than 16-17cm, however this is also variable and depends on the patient's condidtion. For instance, a fatty liver that measures this big is usually enlarged, but a normal appearing liver may not be considered enlarged at 17cm.
When talking about liver size, we must also remember that some livers will have a Riedell's lobe, which can mimic hepatomegly.
Thank you Matt, you are always so informative. I too would like to ask ,how often do you see a solitary liver calcification about 7 to 8 mm in size ( casting shadow ) and typically what are the reasons one may get this ?
TIA
Posts:
187 | From: fl | Registered: 02-18-02 |
| sonomatt
Member |
posted
09-24-09
liver calcifications....Excellent question...
There are few reasons why you may encounter liver calcifications, either solitary or in multiples.
First, liver calcifications are sort of a rareity. We don't usually see them a whole lot.
It is possible to see them with alchoholic cirrohsis, but typically the pancreas will get calcific in alcoholics, not the liver.
A solitary calcific mass is usually the result of a previous pyogenic abcess, fungal abcess, or possibly a parasitic infection.
Some liver cancers can cause calcified masses, and granulomatous disease will also cause them as well, but typically as multiple masses.
Another condition that can memic a calcified mass is air or gas in the biliary ducts after an ERCP.It can be focal with shawdowing just like a mass.
With so many differentials, you can see why a good HX is crucial, something I preach to my students constantly.
Posts:
127 | From: texas | Registered: 10-07-03 |
| That Girl
Member |
posted
09-29-09
quote:
Originally posted by sonomatt:
Excellent question...
There are few reasons why you may encounter liver calcifications, either solitary or in multiples.
First, liver calcifications are sort of a rareity. We don't usually see them a whole lot.
It is possible to see them with alchoholic cirrohsis, but typically the pancreas will get calcific in alcoholics, not the liver.
A solitary calcific mass is usually the result of a previous pyogenic abcess, fungal abcess, or possibly a parasitic infection.
Some liver cancers can cause calcified masses, and granulomatous disease will also cause them as well, but typically as multiple masses.
Another condition that can memic a calcified mass is air or gas in the biliary ducts after an ERCP.It can be focal with shawdowing just like a mass.
With so many differentials, you can see why a good HX is crucial, something I preach to my students constantly.
Matt ,thanks again as you are always so enlightening !
Posts:
187 | From: fl | Registered: 02-18-02 |
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