liver size

[maha4461]

Done all CBC test with complete liver, kidney enzyemes (ALT,ALP,Bilirubin,Albumin,eGFR)  and all were normal but the ultrasound read as follows:- "the liver measures 17.7cm in long axis and has normal echo pattern but longer than anticipated suggesting mild hepatomegaly.This of course depends on patient height." Please advise me if I need to do further tests since I am getting more worried. Thank you

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

ultrasound is fairly good at detecting fatty liver.  fatty liver can be due to being overweight and can regress with weight loss and exercise.

[maha4461]

Thank you dr. Schiano. Can an ultrasound detect if there is fatty liver or not. If it cant' then what type of tests or xrays that can detect the fatty liver. Also, What is the cause of a fatty liver and is it dengerous and can be treated or not.

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

as long as the liver tests are normal i am not worried.  fatty liver may cause a mild increase in size of the liver in the setting of normal liver tests

[maha4461]

Thank you for your reply but can you please explain more clearly what you meant by your two sentences because I really did not understand what you meant. I still did not understand if I should be concerned and if there is further tests to follow, or is this indication for hepatitis, fatty or cirhorrs...Thank you

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

i would only follow this expectantly.  are you heavyset?