Borderline Hepatomegaly

I am a 38 year old female. I do not drink regularly, nor heavily, (2-3 alcoholic beverages a week on average) but the night prior to an ultrasould I did drink about 6-7 bottles of beer.  My ultrasound came back with boarderline hepatomegaly.  Is this something that would always appear after a night of drinking?  I'm wondering if I should be concerned, or if it was enlarged simply because of the night before.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Chronic alcohol use can lead to hepatitis and enlargement of the liver.  

Periodic ultrasounds can be done to ensure the findings don't worsen.  I would also obtain blood tests to exclude viral hepatitis, as well as to obtain liver enzymes.  

Abstaining from alcohol can be considered to see if the liver size normalizes.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com