Enlarged Liver

[carlapv]

Hi All,
Went to my PCP on Thursday so I could get a new referral to my cadio. the PCP says that my liver is enlarged and that it is probably related to my valve problems.

Anyone ever had this problem? I looked on the internet at the site regarding symptoms of the different valve problems but it was not listed for MS and AR. However, I did find it related to CHF.

I go to my cario tomorrow, but I thought I would ask Y'all first!

Thanks,
Carla

 

[Nancy]

Hi Carla-

I hate to be the first one to post an answer, because it seems like Joe hasn't missed too many opportunities in the cardiology field. He has a condition called cardiac cirrhosis which can come from a variety of heart related problems including valve problems and CHF and a few more. I'm not sure that's what you have, but I guess it would make some sense. By the way, Joe's liver problems have been under control since his last hospitalization. I don't know if it from the new medications he's on, or that his CHF is being carefully taken care of. His cardiologist always checks out his liver, especially since one of his new medications can have liver implications. So far, so good.

Cardiac cirrhosis differs from other types of cirrhosis, but can do some damage to the liver if it goes on too long. So it's a good thing to find out about. Now it can be watched.

Here's a link:

http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic275.htm

 

[LoraW30]

replying much later

replying much later

Carla,

I have this problem as well. Not only is my liver enlarged, but congested as well. Mine is caused by high pressure in the lungs. My doc said there really wasn't anything that could be done about it at this point, which is a big pain as it's sending my INR up and down like a seesaw.

 

[Lisa in Katy]

When I was in the hospital with Rheumatic Fever, my liver and spleen were enlarged. I'm not sure why, but I know that it was related to the Rheumatic Fever, which of course caused my cardiac problems.

 

[bvdr]

Actually, my liver is enlarged as well. A better word is probably "engorged" because it is just swollen from the back up of fluids from my heart. It should go back to normal after the mitral stenosis is no longer an issue. It aches sometimes but not too bad. I've never had abnormal labs on liver function. I haven't really viewed it as much of an issue. It probably is pretty common.

Betty(bvdr)

 

[Nancy]

Hi Betty-

Make sure your doctor keeps a close eye on that enlargement and your fluid. Joe's became so bad that the lower lobe actually went into spasms and I could see it protruding under his skin and it was excruciatingly painful and hard to the touch. I don't know what it was fixing to do, but I'm glad it isn't happening any more, I was afraid that it would rupture.

The worst part was that when we went to the ER concerning this problem, the spasm had subsided, and no one knew what the heck we were talking about. I don't think they see too many cases of liver spasms. I think they thought we were imagining things.

Not so.

It can and does happen.

 

[John & Joann]

Enlarged liver is very common with valve patients. This needs to be monitored yearly by your doctor, but is normally not a big deal.

I (John) forgot what causes this problem. You will also have elevated enzymes during CBC tests.

Happy Clicking