Hepatomegaly Meaning and Definition
Hepatomegaly
Pronunciation
/hɛpətəˈmɛɡəlɪ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A medical condition characterized by the enlargement of the liver, which can be caused by various factors such as liver disease, infection, or injury.
Examples
- The doctor diagnosed the patient with hepatomegaly due to chronic liver disease.
- The patient underwent a liver biopsy to determine the cause of the hepatomegaly.
Synonyms
- Liver enlargement
- Heptomegaly
Antonyms
- Hepatomeia
- Liver shrinkage
Additional Information
Hepatomegaly is a common diagnostic finding in various liver disorders, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver tumors. It can also be caused by other systemic diseases, such as heart failure or infection. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the condition and may include medications, lifestyle modifications, or surgery.
Hepatomegaly is typically detected through physical examination and laboratory tests, including liver function tests, imaging studies, and biopsy. In some cases, transjugular liver biopsy may be performed to collect liver tissue for histopathological examination.
Etymology
The term “hepatomegaly” comes from the Greek words “hepatos” meaning liver and “megaly” meaning enlarged.
Usage Notes
Hepatomegaly is typically used in medical contexts to describe the condition, rather than the diagnosis or symptoms of the underlying disease. It is often used in conjunction with other terms, such as “liver cirrhosis” or “hepatitis.”
Cultural References
Hepatomegaly has been mentioned in various medical dramas and documentaries, including the TV show “House MD” and the documentary “The L Word.” However, it is not a commonly used term in popular culture outside of medical contexts.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Hepatomegaly is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions or phrases, but it can be used in medical jargon to describe liver enlargement.
Related Words or Phrases
Words related to hepatomegaly include “liver disease,” “cirrhosis,” “hepatitis,” and “liver function tests.”
Collocations
Common collocations with hepatomegaly include “liver enzymes,” “bilirubin,” and “ascites.”
Frequency of Use
Hepatomegaly is a relatively rare term in everyday language, but it is commonly used in medical contexts to describe the condition.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of hepatomegaly include “hepatomagaly” and “hepatomelgia.”