How does spleen size vary with age, gender, and height. What are the normal dimensions of a healthy spleen. How is spleen size measured using ultrasound. When should an enlarged spleen be a concern.

The Role and Function of the Spleen

The spleen is a vital organ located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, tucked behind the stomach and beneath the diaphragm. Its primary functions include:

• Filtering blood to remove old or damaged red blood cells
• Supporting the immune system by trapping and eliminating certain bacteria and viruses
• Producing lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections

Unlike many other organs, the spleen’s size can fluctuate throughout a person’s lifetime, often in response to various health conditions or injuries. This unique characteristic makes understanding normal spleen dimensions crucial for accurate medical diagnoses.

Factors Influencing Spleen Size

Several factors can influence the size of a healthy spleen:

Age

The spleen grows with age during childhood and adolescence, reaching its maximum size in adulthood. After that, it tends to shrink slightly with each passing decade. How does spleen size change throughout childhood? Here’s a general guideline for the upper limit of normal spleen length by age:

• Newborns: Up to 6 cm
• 1 year: Up to 7 cm
• 2-4 years: Up to 8 cm
• 5-7 years: Up to 9 cm
• 8-10 years: Up to 10 cm
• 11-15 years: Up to 11 cm

Gender

Gender plays a role in spleen size, with women generally having smaller spleens than men. This difference is partly attributed to men typically being taller and having a greater red cell mass than women.

Height

Taller individuals tend to have larger spleens compared to shorter people. This correlation is observed in both men and women.

Normal Spleen Dimensions in Adults

What are the typical dimensions of a healthy adult spleen? While there can be considerable variation between individuals, the average measurements for a normal adult spleen are:

• Length: Approximately 5 inches (12.7 cm)
• Width: About 3 inches (7.6 cm)
• Thickness: Roughly 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
• Weight: Around 6 ounces (170 grams)

It’s important to note that these measurements can vary slightly depending on the individual’s physical characteristics and the method used for measurement.

Diagnostic Methods for Measuring Spleen Size

Accurately measuring spleen size is crucial for diagnosing various conditions. Healthcare providers employ several methods to assess spleen dimensions:

Physical Examination

During a routine physical examination, a doctor can often determine if the spleen is enlarged through palpation and percussion techniques. However, this method is less precise than imaging techniques.

Blood Tests

While blood tests don’t directly measure spleen size, they can provide valuable information about potential causes of spleen enlargement. These tests typically check levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasound is the preferred method for evaluating spleen size due to its ease of use, lack of radiation exposure, and accuracy. How is an ultrasound of the spleen performed?

1. A special gel is applied to the patient’s abdomen to help transmit sound waves.
2. An ultrasound “wand” is moved over the gel-coated area.
3. Sound waves create real-time images of the spleen on a computer screen.
4. The technician measures the length, width, and thickness of the spleen.

Ultrasound can accurately measure the spleen’s length along its central axis, which is typically the most important dimension for assessing spleen size.

Other Imaging Techniques

In some cases, additional imaging methods may be used to evaluate spleen size and detect abnormalities:

• Computed Tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Nuclear medicine studies

Splenomegaly: When to Be Concerned About Spleen Size

An enlarged spleen, known as splenomegaly, can be a sign of various underlying health conditions. When should spleen size be considered abnormal?

For adults, a spleen length greater than 11-12 cm is generally considered enlarged. However, the exact cutoff may vary depending on the individual’s physical characteristics and the specific guidelines used by the healthcare provider.

Some common causes of splenomegaly include:

• Viral infections (e.g., mononucleosis)
• Bacterial infections (e.g., syphilis)
• Blood disorders
• Liver diseases
• Certain cancers

It’s important to note that slight variations in spleen size are common and not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if you suspect your spleen is enlarged or experience symptoms such as pain in the upper left abdomen, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation.

Ultrasound Criteria for Assessing Spleen Size

Ultrasonography plays a vital role in accurately measuring spleen dimensions. What specific criteria do healthcare providers use to evaluate spleen size using ultrasound?

Length Measurement

The most commonly used measurement is the maximum length of the spleen along its long axis. This is typically measured from the most superior to the most inferior point of the spleen visible on the ultrasound image.

Width and Thickness

In addition to length, ultrasound can measure the width and thickness of the spleen. These measurements provide a more comprehensive assessment of overall spleen size.

Volume Calculation

Some healthcare providers may calculate the spleen’s volume using a formula that incorporates length, width, and thickness measurements. This can provide a more accurate representation of overall spleen size, especially in cases where the organ’s shape is irregular.

Comparison to Body Size

To account for variations in body size, some clinicians use formulas that compare spleen dimensions to the patient’s height or body surface area. This approach can help differentiate between a naturally large spleen in a tall individual and true splenomegaly.

Implications of Abnormal Spleen Size

Understanding the implications of abnormal spleen size is crucial for both healthcare providers and patients. What can an enlarged or smaller-than-normal spleen indicate?

Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly)

An enlarged spleen can be a sign of various underlying conditions, including:

• Infections: Viral infections like mononucleosis or bacterial infections such as endocarditis can cause temporary spleen enlargement.
• Blood disorders: Conditions like sickle cell disease, lymphoma, or leukemia can lead to splenomegaly.
• Liver diseases: Cirrhosis and portal hypertension can result in an enlarged spleen.
• Autoimmune disorders: Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis may cause spleen enlargement.
• Certain cancers: Some types of cancer, particularly those affecting the blood or lymphatic system, can lead to splenomegaly.

In many cases, treating the underlying cause of splenomegaly will result in the spleen returning to its normal size.

Smaller-than-Normal Spleen

While less common, a spleen that is smaller than normal (sometimes referred to as splenic atrophy) can also indicate health issues:

• Sickle cell disease: In some cases, repeated episodes of sickling can lead to a small, scarred spleen.
• Celiac disease: This autoimmune disorder can sometimes result in a smaller spleen.
• Alcohol abuse: Chronic alcohol use can lead to splenic atrophy in some individuals.
• Certain medications: Long-term use of some medications, such as steroids, may cause the spleen to shrink.

It’s important to note that a smaller-than-average spleen doesn’t always indicate a health problem, especially if the individual has no other symptoms or risk factors.

Management and Treatment of Spleen Abnormalities

When abnormal spleen size is detected, the approach to management and treatment depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. How do healthcare providers address spleen abnormalities?

Monitoring

In some cases, particularly when spleen enlargement is mild and asymptomatic, the healthcare provider may recommend regular monitoring through periodic ultrasounds and blood tests.

Treating Underlying Conditions

Often, addressing the root cause of spleen abnormalities is the primary approach:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antiviral medications for viral infections
• Chemotherapy or radiation for certain cancers
• Immunosuppressants for autoimmune disorders
• Lifestyle changes and medications for liver diseases

Splenectomy

In severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective, surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) may be necessary. This procedure can be performed laparoscopically or through traditional open surgery.

After a splenectomy, patients are at increased risk for certain infections. Therefore, they typically require:

• Vaccinations against encapsulated bacteria
• Prophylactic antibiotics
• Vigilant monitoring for signs of infection

Lifestyle Modifications

Patients with spleen abnormalities may need to make certain lifestyle adjustments:

• Avoiding contact sports to reduce the risk of splenic rupture in cases of splenomegaly
• Maintaining good hygiene practices to prevent infections
• Following a balanced diet to support overall health and immune function

Regular follow-up with healthcare providers is crucial for managing spleen abnormalities effectively and preventing potential complications.

The Importance of Spleen Health in Tropical Environments

In tropical and subtropical regions, spleen health takes on added significance due to the prevalence of certain infectious diseases. How does the tropical environment impact spleen function and size?

Malaria and the Spleen

Malaria, a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes, is endemic in many tropical areas. The spleen plays a crucial role in the body’s defense against malaria:

• It filters out infected red blood cells
• Produces antibodies to fight the parasite
• Often becomes enlarged (splenomegaly) in chronic or recurrent malaria infections

Healthcare providers in tropical regions must be particularly vigilant in assessing spleen size, as chronic splenomegaly can be an indicator of repeated malarial infections or other tropical diseases.

Other Tropical Diseases Affecting the Spleen

Several other diseases common in tropical environments can impact spleen size and function:

• Visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar): This parasitic disease can cause significant splenomegaly
• Schistosomiasis: In its chronic form, this parasitic infection can lead to portal hypertension and splenomegaly
• Typhoid fever: This bacterial infection can cause temporary spleen enlargement

Implications for Ultrasound Assessment

Given the higher prevalence of splenomegaly in tropical regions, healthcare providers may need to adjust their criteria for what constitutes “normal” spleen size. This underscores the importance of establishing region-specific guidelines for spleen dimensions measured by ultrasound.

Prevention and Management

In tropical environments, maintaining spleen health often involves:

• Vector control measures to prevent mosquito-borne diseases
• Regular use of mosquito nets and insect repellents
• Prophylactic medications for high-risk individuals
• Prompt treatment of infections to prevent chronic splenomegaly
• Regular health check-ups, including spleen assessments

By understanding the unique challenges posed by tropical environments, healthcare providers can better interpret spleen measurements and provide appropriate care to patients in these regions.

Normal Spleen Size Depends on Weight and Gender

Overview

Your spleen is a small but hard-working organ hidden behind your stomach and under your diaphragm. It acts as a filter for your blood. Old, damaged, or abnormal red blood cells are caught in a maze of narrow tunnels within the spleen. Healthy red blood cells easily pass through the spleen and continue to circulate in your bloodstream.

The spleen can also filter out certain bacteria or viruses from your blood in support of the body’s immune system. When a disease-causing microorganism enters the bloodstream, your spleen and lymph nodes produce lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell capable of making antibodies to fight infections.

Unlike most other organs in your body, your spleen changes in size throughout your life — usually in response to illness or injury. A viral infection, such as mononucleosis, or a bacterial infection, such as syphilis, are among the conditions that can lead to an enlarged spleen.

The size of a normal, healthy spleen can vary considerably from person to person. Your sex and height can also affect its size. In general, an adult spleen is about 5 inches long, 3 inches wide, 1.5 inches thick, and weighs about 6 ounces.

Women tend to have smaller spleens than men, and taller people tend to have larger spleens than shorter people. In a study in the journal Radiology, researchers suggested that aside from men generally being taller than women, men also typically have greater red cell mass than women.

Your spleen, like the rest of your body, grows with age. Once you reach adulthood, however, your spleen tends to shrink slightly with each passing decade. The following is a list of the upper limit of normal spleen length by age up to 15 years. For boys and girls, there is relatively little difference in size, according to a study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology. The average spleen length by age was up to:

During a physical examination, your doctor can usually tell if your spleen is enlarged. A blood test to check your levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets may also be ordered to help diagnose the cause of a spleen enlargement.

Imaging tests, including ultrasound, help measure the size of your spleen and whether it’s crowding your other organs.

An abdominal ultrasound is often preferred for evaluating the spleen because it’s easy to do and doesn’t require any radiation. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of inside the body on a computer screen. An ultrasound “wand” is rubbed on the outside of the belly, which is coated with a special gel. This gel helps transmit the sound waves through the skin and to the parts inside the body.

Ultrasound can usually measure the length of the spleen along a center line (axis) accurately. It can also measure the width and thickness of the spleen, which can typically tell the doctor whether the organ is abnormally large or small. In most cases, however, the concern is about an enlarged spleen.

An abdominal ultrasound can help detect other conditions, too. Some of them include:

• abnormal liver function
• kidney stones
• gallstones
• enlargement of other organs, such as the liver or gallbladder
• abdominal aortic aneurysm (bulge in the main artery that supplies blood to most of the body)
• tumors or other suspicious growths anywhere in the abdominal area

Slight variances in spleen size are common and not a cause for concern. However, if you suspect your spleen is enlarged or you’re having any organ-related problems, see a doctor soon. If an infection is causing this temporary enlargement of the spleen, the sooner you get it diagnosed and treated, the better.

Treating the underlying cause of your spleen growth will usually cause it to return to a normal, healthy size. In very serious cases of spleen dysfunction, the organ can be removed. You will be at greater risk for infections, but that will only mean it’s even more important to keep up to date with vaccinations and other preventive steps, such as washing your hands thoroughly and regularly or avoiding people who may have a contagious infection.

Ultrasonography of the spleen – radlines.org

Author:
Mikael Häggström ^{[notes 1]}

Contents

• 1 Planning
  • 1.1 Indication
• 2 Evaluation
  • 2.1 Size
  • 2.2 Focal changes
• 3 Report
• 4 Notes
• 5 References

Planning

Indication

Ultrasonography of the spleen is included as a general screening of the upper abdomen, or when specifically requested in the referral.

Evaluation

Size

Maximum length of spleen on abdominal ultrasonography.

A measurement of spleen size is a standard procedure as part of a liver exam, since splenomegaly is a sign of portal hypertension.

Suggested cutoffs are:^[1][2]

• Normal (not splenomegaly): the maximum length is less than 11 cm
• Moderate splenomegaly: the maximum length is between 11–20 cm
• Severe splenomegaly: the maximum length is greater than 20 cm

90% confidence intervals of maximum lengths in the normal population have lower limits between 6. 4 cm (in short women) and 10.2 cm (in tall men), and upper limits between 12.0 and 14.4 cm (respectively):^[3]

Age	Cutoff[4]
3 months	6. 0 cm
6 months	6.5 cm
12 months	7.0 cm
2 years	8.0 cm
4 years	9.0
6 years	9.5 cm
8 years	10.0 cm
10 years	11.0 cm
12 years	11.5 cm
15 years	12.0 cm for girls 13.0 cm for boys

For children, the cutoffs for splenomegaly are given in this table, when measuring the greatest length of the spleen between its dome and its tip, in the coronal plane through its hilum while breathing quietly.^[4]

Focal changes

If the referral mentions the spleen, it is generally appropriate to scan the volume of it for any focal changes, mainly cysts or tumors.

Report

• Even absence of enlargement. If enlarged, state both grade (such as moderate) and maximum length in a number
• If checked, even absence of focal changes.

See also: General notes on reporting

Notes

1. ↑ For a full list of contributors, see article history. Creators of images are attributed at the image description pages, seen by clicking on the images. See Radlines:Authorship for details.

References

1. ↑ Neetu Radhakrishnan. Splenomegaly. Medscape. Updated Apr. 2012 (referring the classification system to Poulin et al.
2. ↑ Page 1964 in: Florian Lang (2009). Encyclopedia of Molecular Mechanisms of Disease
   . Springer Science & Business Media. ISBN 9783540671367. 
3. ↑ Chow, Kai Uwe; Luxembourg, Beate; Seifried, Erhard; Bonig, Halvard (2016). “Spleen Size Is Significantly Influenced by Body Height and Sex: Establishment of Normal Values for Spleen Size at US with a Cohort of 1200 Healthy Individuals
   “. Radiology 279 (1): 306–313. doi:10.1148/radiol.2015150887. ISSN 0033-8419. 
4. ↑ ^{4. 04.1}Rosenberg, H K; Markowitz, R I; Kolberg, H; Park, C; Hubbard, A; Bellah, R D (1991). “Normal splenic size in infants and children: sonographic measurements
   “. American Journal of Roentgenology 157 (1): 119–121. doi:10.2214/ajr.157.1.2048509. ISSN 0361-803X. 

Why do we need a spleen and is it possible to live without it

Likbez

Health

June 18, 2021

This organ is important for protecting against infections.

What is the spleen and where is it located? It is adjacent to the left kidney, the flexure of the colon, the stomach, and the tail of the pancreas. The size of the spleen depends on the sex, age and height of a person and averages from 106 to 142 mm.

Why the spleen is needed

This organ performs many important tasks: In the fetus during fetal development, all blood cells are formed in the spleen. After birth, only lymphocytes are produced in the organ. But if a person has myeloid leukemia, a form of blood cancer, or the bone marrow is destroyed, then hematopoiesis can resume in the spleen.

Why the spleen can be removed

There can be several reasons for surgery:

• Some types of cancer. These may be Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, hairy cell leukemia, or metastases of any other tumor to the spleen.
• Diseases of the blood. These include thrombocytopenic purpura, where there are not enough platelets in the blood, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia, where there is increased breakdown of red blood cells. If medical treatment does not help, surgery is done.
• Hypersplenism. This is the name given to a condition in which the spleen destroys too many platelets or other blood cells.
• Splenomegaly. This is an enlargement of the spleen. Sometimes the organ becomes so large that it causes pain or pressure on the stomach, causing a person to quickly fill up. Therefore, the spleen is removed to eliminate the symptoms and determine the cause of their appearance.
• Serious injury. In some cases, the spleen is so damaged that severe and life-threatening bleeding occurs. If it cannot be stopped, the organ has to be removed.
• Infection. Very rarely, microorganisms penetrate the tissues, which lead to the appearance of an abscess – an abscess.

How to live without a spleen

Although this organ performs important functions, one can live without it. The bone marrow will provide storage for red blood cells.