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Determination of liver size is essential in diagnosis of liver disease because liver diseases are invariably accompanied by alteration of liver size. The liver size is used to determine by palpation, or plain radiograph, or on radiograph after contrast injection. Radionuclide scanning is one of the methods of choice in measuring the liver size. Many investigators have described objective criteria that can be used for evaluation of liver disease. However, the liver size is not easy to calculate from the standard two-dimensional views. Furthermore, there is considerable overlap of the normal and abnormal range. The purpose of this investigation is to confirm the three-dimensional method with successful outlining of the liver using multiple cut off scanning technique. The weight of 202 normal adult livers was calculated by the multiple cut off scanning technique. With the sum of a series of cross section areas obtained by the count-rate cut off values increasing successively, the liver weight was calculated by using planimeter and the equation of Yagan. The results were as follows; 1. The weight of normal adult liver was average 1423.0g, and ranged from 902g to 1930g. 2. There was a little sexual difference on the measured liver weight in normal adult. The mate was somewhat heavier than female in the weight of liver, but no definite difference between age groups was demonstrated. 3. The relative weight of normal adult liver was average 887.1g, and ranged from 547g to 1184g, 4. The liver weight was proportional to the height, weight and body surface area, but the relative weight of liver was not proportional to the height, weight and body surface. 5. These facts suggested the importance of relative liver weight to determine the liver size.
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