Ultrasonographic assessment of splenic volume and its correlation with body parameters in a Jordanian population

Abstract

Objectives:To estimate normal linear dimensions and volume of spleen in Jordanians using ultrasonography, and to correlate splenic volume with age and body parameters: height, weight, body surface area (BSA), and body mass index (BMI).Methods:A prospective pilot study was conducted on 205 volunteers (115 males and 90 females) not known to have any conditions likely to be associated with splenomegaly. The study was performed at the Radiology Department, Jordanian University Hospital, Amman, Jordan, between December 2013 and August 2014. All linear dimensions of spleen were measured, and splenic volume (index) was calculated using the standard prolate ellipsoid formula (length × width × depth × 0.523). The splenic volume was then analyzed with age and body parameters using the Pearson’s correlation coefficient.Results:The mean (± SD) splenic dimensions were 10.72±1.37 cm in length, 7.40±1.52 cm in width, 4.40±1.47 cm in depth, and 184.15±79.56 cm3 in volume. Men had larger spleens than women (p<0.0001). Age had no significant effect on spleen volume (r=0.11, p=0.12). There was a significant moderate positive correlation (p<0.0001), using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, between the spleen volume, and other parameters (height, weight, BSA, and BMI), with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.3.Conclusion:A local reference of spleen dimensions was established with a different range of values reported previously.

Evaluation of Biomarkers in Egyptian Patients with Different Grades of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

“…Our results showed that size of the liver was significantly increased in parallel with NAFLD grades, also spleen size was significantly higher in all NAFLD grades than in grade 0, but stayed within the average (11 cm) 29. So, our NAFLD patients did not have splenomegaly or non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.…”

The sonographic measurement of the spleen: A clinical audit

“…Across studies, the splenic length measured by magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) is 9.75 cm (normal longitudinal length measurement) with a recommendation to perform volume measurements (Table ). The longitudinal measurements are smaller to what has been reported in ultrasound studies of splenic length, which range from 10.7 to 12 cm (Table ).…”

“…In the absence of an established benchmark, the auditor determined the appropriate caliper placement to be the maximum distance between superomedial and the most inferolateral points in the longitudinal plane . This was the closest method to what the institution was already doing, albeit without a written protocol …”

“…Conversely, the method in which the spleen is measured is generally similar. The most common splenic measurement method was with the patient in the right posterior oblique position, obtaining a length measurement in the longitudinal plane that extends from the superomedial diaphragmatic end to the inferior pole or tip of the organ . However, an experienced operator should utilise panoramic ultrasound for very large spleens and not neglect other appropriate sonographic windows depending on patient body habitus and the shape and size of the individual spleen …”

“…In terms of best practice, there is limited and conflicting evidence on what constitutes a normal sonographic measurement of the spleen, and this is an area that warrants further research . The key points from the data collected along with the literature review suggest that a normal measurement of the spleen is between 10 and 12 cm . This correlates positively with the overall mean splenic length of 10 cm from this audit; however, the audited patients are from a pathological group.…”