Role of anthropometric measurements on sonographic estimation of false hepatomegaly among healthy adult men

Abstract

Background/aim Ultrasonography is the modality of choice in assessment of liver span and an essential part of clinical assessment of healthy and pathologic liver. Various anthropometrical measurements may influence liver span. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between anthropometric variables and liver span and verify that the previously accepted cutoff value of normal liver span should be changed according to body physique. Patients and methods This cross-sectional study included randomly selected 106 men with normal liver function tests, visiting Hala Eisa Hospital searching for medical advice other than liver disease. Height, weight, and BMI were estimated, and ultrasound scanning for all participants was done. Results The mean liver span for the studied men was 16.02±1.59 cm. Among the current samples, 62.3% (66) had false hepatomegaly and 37.7% (40) had normal liver span. There were insignificant differences in the anthropometric parameters between the men with false hepatomegaly and those with normal liver span; however, mean weight, height, BMI, and waist–hip ratio (WHR) were higher in men with false hepatomegaly. In addition, among men with normal liver span, there were highly significant positive correlations between liver span on one side and age, body weight, BMI, and WHR on the other side. However, among men with false hepatomegaly group, there was a highly significant negative correlation (P<0.01) between liver span and height. Among men with normal liver span, WHR explained 43.2% of the changes occurred in liver span, which increased to 49.5% when age was added. Among men with false hepatomegaly, height explained 24.9% of the changes occurred in liver span, which increased to 36.7% when age was added. Conclusion In decision of diagnosis of hepatomegaly, body physique should be taken into consideration, particularly height and weight/height ratio. For the universe, cutoff point of 16 cm of liver span cannot be used to distinguish between those with normal liver and hepatomegaly.