Location
Suwanee, GA
Start Date
17-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 1:00 PM
Description
Introduction: Hepatomegaly is an objective finding associated with various pathophysiologies. Some of the most common sources of hepatomegaly in the United States include fatty liver and cirrhosis. We performed a routine cadaveric dissection on a 71-year-old truck driver that passed from respiratory failure with a history of tobacco abuse and lung malignancies. During the dissection, the patient was found to have an enlarged liver. This case study explored possible etiologies of the patient's hepatomegaly. This research provided insight into comorbidities and prevention for complex patients like this case.
Methods: Measurements of the liver were obtained in the horizontal, vertical, and depth. These measurements were then compared to standard anatomical ranges of liver sizes. Photos were taken to document overall appearance and relative size compared to a healthy liver from another cadaver.
Results: The liver was abnormally large in the medial-lateral orientation (24.13 cm), cranial-caudal orientation (27.94 cm), and cranial-caudal orientation (27.94 cm). The anterior-posterior orientation size was at the top of the normal range for that orientation (17.79 cm). Collectively, these findings indicate hepatomegaly.
Discussion:
This case study highlights a case of hepatomegaly with evidence of cirrhosis. Chronic liver failure and cirrhosis are among the most common leading causes of disease and death in the United States, with hepatomegaly linked to these diseases. Cirrhosis is commonly asymptomatic, suggesting that the case subject may not have been aware of his condition. Common causes of cirrhosis and hepatomegaly are viral hepatitis, excessive alcohol consumption, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Preventive techniques include limiting alcohol, practicing safe sex and hygiene, receiving vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, and avoiding sharing needles.
Embargo Period
5-29-2026
Included in
Hepatomegaly in Cadaver Dissection: Clinical Correlations and Preventative Implications
Suwanee, GA
Introduction: Hepatomegaly is an objective finding associated with various pathophysiologies. Some of the most common sources of hepatomegaly in the United States include fatty liver and cirrhosis. We performed a routine cadaveric dissection on a 71-year-old truck driver that passed from respiratory failure with a history of tobacco abuse and lung malignancies. During the dissection, the patient was found to have an enlarged liver. This case study explored possible etiologies of the patient's hepatomegaly. This research provided insight into comorbidities and prevention for complex patients like this case.
Methods: Measurements of the liver were obtained in the horizontal, vertical, and depth. These measurements were then compared to standard anatomical ranges of liver sizes. Photos were taken to document overall appearance and relative size compared to a healthy liver from another cadaver.
Results: The liver was abnormally large in the medial-lateral orientation (24.13 cm), cranial-caudal orientation (27.94 cm), and cranial-caudal orientation (27.94 cm). The anterior-posterior orientation size was at the top of the normal range for that orientation (17.79 cm). Collectively, these findings indicate hepatomegaly.
Discussion:
This case study highlights a case of hepatomegaly with evidence of cirrhosis. Chronic liver failure and cirrhosis are among the most common leading causes of disease and death in the United States, with hepatomegaly linked to these diseases. Cirrhosis is commonly asymptomatic, suggesting that the case subject may not have been aware of his condition. Common causes of cirrhosis and hepatomegaly are viral hepatitis, excessive alcohol consumption, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Preventive techniques include limiting alcohol, practicing safe sex and hygiene, receiving vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, and avoiding sharing needles.