Question

What are the causes of liver enlargement in children?

Answer

There are many potential causes of liver enlargement, including but not limited to the following:

  1. Infectious diseases: This includes viral hepatitis, bacterial abscesses, sepsis, and coccidioidomycosis.
  2. Metabolic diseases: Such as hepatic steatosis, hyperlipidemia, and Wilson’s disease.
  3. Blood disorders: Such as neonatal hemolytic anemia, thalassemia, and hereditary spherocytosis.
  4. Heart conditions: Such as congestive heart failure and constrictive pericarditis.
  5. Tumors and cysts: Including primary or secondary hepatocellular carcinoma, hemangioma of the liver, and multiple hepatic cysts.
  6. Other conditions: Such as systemic lupus erythematosus, congenital biliary atresia, and cirrhosis. It is recommended that you consult a hospital for a detailed examination to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a doctor.