Sex-Specific Patterns in Hepatic Morphometry: Anthropometric Correlates of Liver Dimensions in a North African Cohort

Purpose:  This study aimed to investigate and examines gender based differences in hepatic morphometry and their somatic correlates. 
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis of 101 Southern Libyan adults (50 males, 51 females), we quantified hepatic dimensions via standardized midclavicular line sonography. Pearson correlation analyses assessed sex-specific relationships between hepatic length and anthropometric parameters (weight, height). Comparative statistics evaluated intersexual differences in correlation strengths. 
Results:  While absolute hepatic dimensions showed minimal sexual dimorphism (13.8 cm males versus 13.96 cm females), correlation patterns differed substantially. Males demonstrated stronger weight hepatomegaly associations (r=0.66) compared to females (r=0.54), representing a 0.12 correlation unit difference. Similarly, height correlations favored males (r=0.56 versus 0.49). Hepatic dimensional variability was comparable between sexes (SD ~2.1 cm), though males exhibited greater anthropometric heterogeneity. 
Conclusion: Sex-specific patterns exist in the relationship between somatic and hepatic dimensions, with males showing stronger scaling between body mass and liver size. These findings mandate gender stratified reference intervals and individualized assessment protocols that account for both biological sex and body habitus in hepatic evaluation. (Open J Med Radiol 2026;1:9-15)