Can fatty liver cause swelling of the abdomen?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a computed tomography (CT) scan done. The report shows that I have an enlarged fatty liver measuring about 0.74 ft at the right midclavicular line. Is this considered a grossly enlarged liver? I have been a heavy drinker all my life. I have read that anything over 0.52 ft is enlarged. In my case, it is a way beyond the normal value. I am having abdominal discomfort and swollen feeling in my upper abdomen. Every time I eat, it gets worse. Could my liver be the cause of my upper abdominal swelling and discomfort?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Fatty liver is a very common condition in the general population, especially who are heavy drinkers. It is due to the excessive deposition of fat in the liver. It is considered as thefirst stage of alcoholic liver disease. Usually, the symptoms include heaviness in right upper quadrant of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, decreased concentration and fullness. Investigations like ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scans are done to find out the grade of fatty liver. As you said, liver is grossly enlarged, but on CT scan generally Hounsfield units (HU) are measured rather than the length of liver. Anything above 50 HU is considered to be fatty liver compared with the spleen. The most common causes are excessive alcohol intake and fatty foods. Get a liver function tests, lipid profile and kidney function test to find out the exact stage. As there is no definite treatment for fatty liver, strictly avoid alcohol and fast foods. I recommend you to do exercises daily and increase intake of green leafy vegetables.