hepatomegaly /hep′ətōmeg″əlē/ [Gk, hēpar + megas, large] , abnormal enlargement of the liver that is usually a sign of disease, often discovered by percussion and palpation as part of a physical examination. In hepatomegaly the liver is easily palpable below the ribs in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen and may be tender to the touch. Hepatomegaly may be caused by hepatitis or other infection; fatty infiltration, as in alcoholism; biliary obstruction; or malignancy.
