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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
enlarged liver on MRI done for other reasons
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
enlarged liver on MRI done for other reasons
by diggerdog, Jun 19, 2004 12:00AM
I had an MRI done for back problems. This showed facet arthritis, small kidney cyst and an enlarged liver. There were no numbers stated as to the size.
Am not a drinker or smoker. Quit smoking 15 years ago. Was totally taken aback about the liver. Had been tested for hepatitis out of concern after a tatoo done 4 years ago. Test was in the past year and was negative. Liver tests done in November 03 were all normal; bilirubin 0.2; albumin 3.7; AST 22; ALT 46; BUN 21; Creatinine 0.7. I had no complaints in regard to my abdomen or any pain. I am hypothyroid and on Levoxyl and Cytomel due to poor conversion. Am a 5'6-1/2, 120 pound small framed female. Take estrogen via the patch due to menopausal problems.
The only information I can gather from the net is that enlarged liver is not a good thing. What, other than a medical reason, could be causing this? I will state that for about a month before the MRI I began taking approximately 3,800 mg of Tylenol due to the pain in my back. Could this have aggravated the liver? I have since stopped taking that and only occasionally use Aleve. My doc didn't say anything to me about the MRI other than arthritis dx. Can a person have a larger than normal liver that in fact, is normal for them? Thanks for any guidance. Have a follow up with my doc in July for the back problems.
Am not a drinker or smoker. Quit smoking 15 years ago. Was totally taken aback about the liver. Had been tested for hepatitis out of concern after a tatoo done 4 years ago. Test was in the past year and was negative. Liver tests done in November 03 were all normal; bilirubin 0.2; albumin 3.7; AST 22; ALT 46; BUN 21; Creatinine 0.7. I had no complaints in regard to my abdomen or any pain. I am hypothyroid and on Levoxyl and Cytomel due to poor conversion. Am a 5'6-1/2, 120 pound small framed female. Take estrogen via the patch due to menopausal problems.
The only information I can gather from the net is that enlarged liver is not a good thing. What, other than a medical reason, could be causing this? I will state that for about a month before the MRI I began taking approximately 3,800 mg of Tylenol due to the pain in my back. Could this have aggravated the liver? I have since stopped taking that and only occasionally use Aleve. My doc didn't say anything to me about the MRI other than arthritis dx. Can a person have a larger than normal liver that in fact, is normal for them? Thanks for any guidance. Have a follow up with my doc in July for the back problems.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 21, 2004 12:00AM
, Jun 21, 2004 12:00AM
With normal liver enzymes, it is unlikely that there is a major liver disease present. There are some cases of alcohol (i.e. alcoholic hepatitis) that can enlarge the liver, but with normal liver enzymes, this is less likely.
You can continue to monitor the size of the liver via serial ultrasounds if this is concerning. It is possible that the enlarged liver is an anatomical variant.
Regarding the Tylenol - typically taking less than 4 grams of Tylenol will not damage the liver.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
You can continue to monitor the size of the liver via serial ultrasounds if this is concerning. It is possible that the enlarged liver is an anatomical variant.
Regarding the Tylenol - typically taking less than 4 grams of Tylenol will not damage the liver.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Member Comments (1)
by surgeon, Jun 20, 2004 12:00AM
given the absense of symptoms, and the perfectly normal liver blood test, it's likely the size means nothing. Yes, a liver can be larger than "normal" and still be normal. It also matters somewhat what other MRI characteristics the tissue had. In all likelihood, it means nothing.
by sanros, Oct 31, 2008 01:02AM
A related discussion, test liver was started.
