Physical examination maneuver
Physical Exam
Liver Palpation
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Video coming September 2026
How to Perform
With the patient supine, stand at the right side and place your right hand flat on the right lower abdomen, directly on the skin and lateral to the rectus muscle, with the fingers pointing toward the head. Press gently inward and upward and ask the patient to take a deep breath, feeling for the liver edge to descend against your fingertips during inspiration. If no edge is felt, move your hand upward in small increments toward the right costal margin, repeating the maneuver with each inspiration. If palpable, note the liver's contour and any tenderness.
How to Interpret
Showing 5 of 17 findings
Cirrhosis
Firm liver edge on palpation
Rule in
Somewhat helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Somewhat helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Limited
Hepatomegaly
Rule in
Somewhat helpful
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Strong
Palpable liver in the epigastrium
Rule in
Somewhat helpfulNo CI
Rule out
Somewhat helpfulNo CI
Evidence:Limited
Hepatomegaly
Palpable liver edge below the right costal margin
Rule in
Somewhat helpful
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Strong
Malignant Lymphadenopathy
Palpable (enlarged) liver in a patient with peripheral lymphadenopathy, detecting a malignant or granulomatous cause
Rule in
Not helpfulWide CI
Rule out
Not helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Limited