Which glycogen storage pattern is associated with hepatomegaly and increased echogenicity in the liver?

Which glycogen storage pattern is associated with hepatomegaly and increased echogenicity in the liver?

• A. Reduced
• B. Normal
• C. Excessive
• D. Focal Fatty

Answer: (C)

Excessive glycogen storage in the liver causes hepatomegaly because hepatocytes accumulate more glycogen and the organ enlarges. The dense glycogen content increases the liver’s internal reflectivity, so the parenchyma appears brighter on ultrasound, producing increased echogenicity. If glycogen storage were reduced or normal, the liver wouldn’t be enlarged or as bright; fatty changes tend to give a different, often focal or diffuse echogenic pattern that isn’t simply tied to glycogen load. So the combination of enlarged size with brighter liver texture best fits excessive glycogen storage.

Excessive glycogen storage in the liver causes hepatomegaly because hepatocytes accumulate more glycogen and the organ enlarges. The dense glycogen content increases the liver’s internal reflectivity, so the parenchyma appears brighter on ultrasound, producing increased echogenicity. If glycogen storage were reduced or normal, the liver wouldn’t be enlarged or as bright; fatty changes tend to give a different, often focal or diffuse echogenic pattern that isn’t simply tied to glycogen load. So the combination of enlarged size with brighter liver texture best fits excessive glycogen storage.