Diagnostic Tests for Enlarged liver and spleen - Leukemia and Enlarged Spleen Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnostic Tests for Enlarged liver and spleen
Health Grades Inc.

Diagnostic Test list for Enlarged liver and spleen:

The list of diagnostic tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Enlarged liver and spleen includes:

* Physical examination
o Inspect color of skin for jaundice (yellowing) and anemia (pallor
o Palpate the liver and determine the extent of the enlargement and also determine if liver is tender. A tender enlarged liver may suggest viral hepatitis
o Palpate for enlarged spleen. If both liver and spleen is enlarged may suggest alcoholic cirrhosis, amyloidosis, reticuloendotheliosis, hemolytic anemias, biliary cirrhosis, myeloid metaplasia, systemic lupus erythematosus, acute viral hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus and various parasitic diseases. If the spleen enlargement is massive this is characteristic of Gaucher's disease, kala azar and myeloid metaplasia
o Inspect for signs of portal hypertension - e.g.distended abdominal veins, hemorrhoids, distended abdomen (ascites).
o Inspect for generalized enlarged lymph nodes which may suggest lymphoma
o Inspect for other signs of alcoholic liver disease including bruising, jaundice, scratch marks, reddened palms, enlarged breasts in males, loss of body hair, enlarged spleen, swollen legs and abdomen
* Blood tests
o Full blood count and ESR (can detect signs of leukemia, lymphoma and anemia)
o Liver function tests
o Electrolytes and kidney function tests (raised calcium with sarcoidosis)
o Thyroid function tests
o Viral hepatitis serology
o ANA autoantibodies to diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus
o B12 levels are low and have positive antibodies to parietal cells and intrinsic factor in pernicious anemia
o Monospot test for infectious mononucleosis (Epstein Barr virus test)
o Cytomegalovirus antibodies
o Mitochondrial antibodies - if suspect primary biliary cirrhosis.
o Blood smear, sickle cell preparation, serum Haptoglobin and hemoglobin electrophoresis - if suspect hemolytic anemia.
o If suspect acromegaly, test growth hormone levels, growth hormone suppression tests after glucose load, IGF-1 (insulin growth factor) levels, pituitary function and prolactin levels
* Stool microscopy for ova, cysts and parasites (looking for schistosoma parasites)
* Radiological investigations
o Chest X-Ray (may show changes of sarcoidosis)
o Upper abdominal ultrasound scan of liver and spleen may detect the cause of the enlargement
o CT scan of abdomen will help further delineate findings found on ultrasound
o CT or MRI brain scan may detect pituitary tumor - if suspect acromegaly.
* Transbronchial biopsy - may be required if suspect sarcoidosis.
* Lung function test - if suspect sarcoidosis.
* Liver biopsy - may help diagnose reticuloendotheliosis and the various types of cirrhosis (but do not perform if suspect biliary cirrhosis as it is dangerous).
* Lymph node biopsy - if suspect lymphoma.
* Bone marrow biopsy - if suspect leukemia.
* Exploratory surgery - may be the only way of obtaining a diagnosis.

Home Diagnostic Testing

These home medical tests may be relevant to Enlarged liver and spleen:

* Liver Health & Hepatitis: Home Testing
o Home Hepatitis Tests
o Home Liver Tests
o Sexually Transmitted Disease Tests

Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs.

Copyright © 2009 Health Grades Inc.