Ultrasound measurement of liver longitudinal length in a North Anatolian population: A community-based study.

BACKGROUND

Liver size can be influenced by various factors, including malignant diseases, infective processes, and anthropometric variations among individuals from different geographical locations and races. Therefore, the exact definition of hepatomegaly in the ultrasonographic measurement of liver size is controversial. Moreover, the majority of studies regarding the study of liver size are not community-based.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to establish a range of normal liver sizes by ultrasonography with respect to age and sex in healthy individuals and to identify factors affecting liver size.

STUDY

DESIGN

This was a prospective, community-based study.

METHODS

Liver size was measured ultrasonographically from the midclavicular line in 822 individuals, of which 49.3% (n = 405) were male and 51.7% (n = 417) were female. Following physical examination, all participants provided blood samples. Height, weight, and waist circumference were recorded. The mean liver length was calculated for males, females, and for the whole study group. It was also determined whether there was an association between liver size and age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), body surface area, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzyme levels.

Results

The mean liver length was significantly different between males (150.04 ± 14.84) and females (147.57 ± 18.32, P = 0.034). Weight and BMI were the most strongly associated with liver size. There was a significant difference between liver size in individuals with normal and elevated levels of AST and ALT enzymes (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

In a northern Anatolian Turkish population, liver size was greater among males than females. In light of these data, we believe our study may serve as a reference source for the evaluation of liver size.