Liver span--a comparative appraisal of various methods.
BACKGROUND
Alterations in the size and shape of liver occur in a wide variety of conditions. Liver span can be estimated by using clinical, radiological or radioisotopic methods. Chest dimensions may alter the liver span.


METHODS
We evaluated the liver span in 51 healthy individuals by clinical, radiological and radioisotopic methods and its relation with chest dimensions.


RESULTS
The liver span by clinical, radiological and radioisotopic methods was 10.8 +/- 1.1 cm, 12.6 +/- 1.5 cm and 13.6 +/- 1.7 cm, respectively. Liver span varied with clinical and radiological or radioisotopic method and it correlated with height of chest cage and subcostal angle in these individuals.


CONCLUSIONS
The liver span varies with the method used and it is correlated with chest dimensions.
Singh
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V
Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Haldar
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N
Nain
C K
CK
Singh
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K
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012016:Reference Values; D013909:Thorax / Q000033:anatomy & histology*