Liver

My 16 year old daughter went for a physical and the doctor discovered that her liver had dropped about 3 inches below her ribcage.  We did several blood test which came back normal.  We are now going to have an ultrasound in the morning.  The doctor is concerned that something may be pushing down on the liver.  What could cause this to happen.  There isn't much above the liver other than lymphnoids are there?  Just wondering what I might be looking for on an ultrasound.  She is a healthy active kids. Her BMI is 19.2% which is in the normal range for her height/weight/age. She has no other health issues.  Thanks any info would be greatly appreciated.

[mammo]

I think if something were "pushing" her liver down, there would be other symptoms, but I'm not a doctor. It sounds like you have a good, thorough doctor who just wants to make sure all is well.  I have never heard of this, and is he sure her liver has moved, or maybe it's always been where it is?   She may have just been born with her liver in that spot.  I'd like to tell you not to worry, but as a mom myself, I know you will anyway.  Please let us know what, if anything, is found.  Best wishes.....

[CalGal]

NavyMom, the liver is 'held up' by an extension of the peritoenum that wraps around it while a person is an embryo. Two little leaflets are left that 'cement' it into the diaphragm, so there's really not a lot that's above the diaphragm. It's possible, though, that the connective tissue leaflets might have stretched - or may have always been a bit longer than what could be considered 'normal?'

They also need to look 'underneath' because the liver can be anchored inferiorly by the organs around it or by adhesions that may have formed between the liver and the organs below it.

The liver itself can also enlarge, so they're probably going to look at the size of the liver and the organs surrounding it as well as just to generally check things out.

[NavyMomNC]

Thanks to you all for your comments.  We have had the ultrasound and everything is normal.  It may be that she has gotten taller and thinner and that is where her liver has always been.  Our doctor said she can go to camp and that she wants to recheck her at the end of the summer.  Thanks again.  Have a great summer!!

Blessings,

Navymomnc