Enlarged liver

Diagnostic Evaluation

Hepatomegaly is a clinical finding reflecting many underlying causes such as neoplasia, inflammation, congestion, or infiltrative disease. Imaging is used to evaluate liver size and internal architecture. Abdominal ultrasound is most sensitive for detecting focal lesions, biliary abnormalities, and ascites. CT adds better cross-sectional staging and guides intervention planning. Radiographs are less specific, often showing effacement of detail. MRI can assist in complex characterization; nuclear imaging is reserved for select functional assessment.