The ultrasound examination of the spleen

Med Ultrason. 2010 Sep;12(3):253-4.

Abstract

The spleen is a parenchymatous organ located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, in the splenic lodge. The normal spleen is 10-12 cm long and 3-5 cm thick. The ultrasound examination of the spleen is better performed in a fasting patient, in supine or right lateral position, using an intercostal approach, with a 3.5 to 5 MHz transducer. Due to the high position of this organ, covered by the ribs, inviting the patient to take a deep breath could be useful.

MeSH terms

  • Fasting
  • Humans
  • Patient Positioning
  • Reference Values
  • Spleen / diagnostic imaging*
  • Splenic Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Transducers
  • Ultrasonography / instrumentation
  • Ultrasonography / methods*