Sonographic measurement of the spleen: splenic length in adults and its correlation with different parameters

Aim: The purpose of this study was to establish guidelines for normal splenic length at different ages by using a simple and reproducible sonographic method and to find out a relation between spleen length, age, height, weight, and surface area. Materials and methods: One hundred sixty subjects, from 21 years to 60 years old, had sonography because of abdominal and/or pelvic problems unrelated to the spleen. The splenic size was measured by obtaining a coronal view that included the hilum during deep inspiration to minimize masking by lung. The greatest longitudinal distance between the dome of the spleen and the tip (splenic length) was measured and correlated with age, height, and weight. Results: The results show that the splenic length decreased with increase in age in both males and females. The length of the spleen increased with increase in the body height, body weight, and body surface area in both males and females. In most of the subjects, the splenic length was found to be <11 cm. The splenic size in males was greater than that in females. Discussion: The findings of present study that the splenic length decreases with age are similar to the findings of Loftus and Metreweli. Konus et al in 1998 proposed that the splenic length correlated best with the body height. This is similar to the findings of the present study. The finding of present study that the splenic length has positive correlation with the body height, weight, and surface area is similar to the finding of Megremis et al. Conclusion: On the basis of the above study, it was concluded that the splenic length decreased with increase in age in both males and females. The length of the spleen has positive correlations with increase in the body height, body weight, and body surface area in both males and females. The splenic length was less in females than that in males with the corresponding age, body height, body weight, and body surface area. In most of the subjects, the splenic length was found to be <11 cm.