What can cause hepatomegaly?

Master the EDAPT Altered Hepatobiliary Function Exam. Explore flashcards and comprehensive questions, each with insights and explanations. Get ready for success!

Hepatomegaly, or enlargement of the liver, can be caused by various medical conditions that affect liver function and structure. The correct answer, which includes hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and tumors, highlights the most common and clinically significant causes of hepatomegaly.

Hepatitis can lead to inflammation of the liver, prompting enlargement due to the accumulation of inflammatory cells and other pathological changes. Fatty liver disease, whether due to alcohol consumption or metabolic syndrome (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), results from the excessive accumulation of fat within liver cells. This condition directly contributes to liver enlargement and is a leading cause of hepatomegaly. Tumors, both benign and malignant, can physically enlarge the liver as a result of abnormal growths.

The other options do not encompass the primary pathological processes leading to hepatomegaly. Genetic conditions, while they can cause liver issues, do not represent the full spectrum of causes and are not as prevalent as the conditions listed in the correct answer. Excessive hydration does not lead to liver enlargement; it typically affects fluid balance in other parts of the body. Similarly, exposure to low temperatures does not have a recognized association with liver enlargement. Therefore, the correct answer provides a comprehensive view of

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