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Abdominal girth

Definition:

Abdominal girth is the measurement of the distance around the abdomen at a specific point, usually at the level of the belly button (navel). Measuring abdominal girth is used to diagnose and monitor the following:

Buildup of fluid in the abdomen, most often caused by liver failure or heart failure
Obesity
Buildup of intestinal gas, most often caused by blockage or obstruction in the intestines

Information:

Review Date: 11/13/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicin; George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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