Liver enlargement is reported to have occurred when the liver measures more than 3cm below the costal margin or has a liver span greater than normal for age. Enlargement of the spleen, on the other hand, is reported to have occurred
if the spleen is just palpable
. Causes of these conditions are summarized in Table below
Investigations
- Full blood count and blood film
- Liver biopsy when indicated
- Bone marrow if needed
- Specific tests will depend on the suspected cause listed in the table
Causes of hepatosplenomegaly
Category of causes | The specific causes associated with hepatomegaly | The specific causes associated with splenomegaly |
---|---|---|
Infections |
|
|
Blood |
|
|
Nutrition | Kwashiorkor | Iron deficiency |
Congestion | Cardiac failure | Portal vein thrombosis |
Other |
|
|
Management
- Make sure you identify the cause and treat accordingly
- Admit
- If patient is severely anaemic – may need transfusion
- If patient is febrile
- For invasive diagnostic tests