Etymed
hepatosplenomegaly
Definition
enlargement of both the liver and spleen
Clinical context
A 32-year-old IV drug user presents with fatigue, abdominal distension, and right upper quadrant pain. Physical examination reveals hepatosplenomegaly with tender liver edge 4 cm below costal margin and spleen edge 6 cm below left costal margin. Liver function tests show elevated bilirubin and AST. The patient has a history of hepatitis B and is found to have both liver and spleen enlargement on imaging studies.
Mnemonic
Hepato-Spleen-O-Megaly - When both organs are enlarged, think 'Hepato' for liver and 'Spleen' for spleen, and 'O-Megaly' for the enlargement