Organomegaly is the enlargement of organs and can be caused by various factors, some of which are benign while others are serious. Enlarged heart, liver, and spleen are examples of abnormal organ enlargement. Organomegaly is often a symptom of a disorder and can coincide with other symptoms. It can be detected through ultrasounds, blood tests, and physical exams. Enlarged spleen is the most common form of organomegaly and can result from high blood pressure or cancer. Autoimmune diseases can also cause organomegaly, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Organomegaly involves the enlargement of the body’s organs. Many different factors can cause this enlargement. While some causes are benign, others are more serious. Enlarged heart, enlarged liver, and enlarged spleen – called cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly, respectively – are three examples of abnormal organ enlargement. Autoimmune diseases also often cause organomegaly.
Organomegaly most often occurs as a symptom of a disorder, rather than being the disorder itself. Hepatomegaly, for example, can result from a variety of medical problems, ranging from infections to cancers. Congestive heart failure frequently facilitates cardiomegaly. Organ enlargement usually coincides with other symptoms related to a particular disorder. With various liver dysfunctions, jaundice or yellowing of the skin frequently occurs together with organomegaly.
Enlargement of large organs is commonly detected by the presence of a mass. An abdominal mass may form in hepatomegaly. Cardiomegaly can cause swelling in the chest area, particularly if the heart is at least 50% larger than the inside of the rib cage. Ultrasounds, blood tests, and physical exams can also help locate organomegaly and offer some insight into possible causes.
One of the most common forms of organomegaly is an enlarged spleen. This organ is located in the upper abdomen and its enlargement typically results from the stress on the body from high blood pressure. Any stressful influence on the body such as high blood pressure or cancer can enlarge the spleen to dangerous levels. Pain in the chest, abdomen and back are the most common effects. Splenomegaly usually requires surgical removal of the spleen.
Both splenomegaly and hepatomegaly are found in autoimmune diseases. Although these disorders are rare, organomegaly is a major feature. When the body’s immune system attacks endocrine organs such as the various glands in the body, conditions such as autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome and POEMS syndrome (an acronym derived from the major disorders of the syndrome: polyneurotapia, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes) occur. ). Susceptibility to frequent infections is a consequence of the conditions, as is numbness and weakness in the limbs in the case of POEMS syndrome. Localized paraproteins in the urine and blood contribute to the abnormalities.
Although exercise and other harmless factors can lead to enlargement of the body’s organs, chronic organomegaly should never be taken lightly. As indicated, many serious and potentially life-threatening conditions may be responsible. In the case of POEMS syndrome, some research claims that the survival rate is less than half within five years of onset if the disorder is left untreated. Since organ enlargement usually has an underlying cause, finding and treating the underlying disorder is crucial. A qualified physician can best evaluate all options and outcomes.
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