Do they do ultrasounds of the spleen? Ultrasound of the spleen: preparation and norms of values

The spleen is an organ in the human body that few people think about. Until health problems begin. What exactly does this organ serve and what does it serve? The functions of the spleen are varied. But at the same time it is not a vital organ. Sometimes, in case of severe injuries, it is removed and the person can move on with his life.

Functions of the spleen

The main task of this organ is to filter blood and fill the body with a sufficient amount of it. There are other functions:

• control of blood flow from overload - when running fast, it starts to prick in the side, this is how the spleen is triggered;
• removal of outdated red blood cells;
• protective function, neutralization and filtration harmful substances and viruses;
• immunoglobulin synthesis;
• control of the metabolic process in which iron is produced in the body.

Most often, ultrasound of the spleen is performed in conjunction with organ examination abdominal cavity. But in some cases it is necessary separately. Why and for what purpose is an ultrasound examination of the spleen performed?

Indications for the study

• the presence of fluid in the abdominal cavity, unclear contours of the organ indicate damage, rupture of the spleen tissue;
• the organ is enlarged in size, during examination it appears light, with a homogeneous structure - an inflammatory process, splenitis;
• the presence of spots in the structure of the spleen - the inflammatory process ended with necrosis of the internal tissue;
• uneven contour, uneven echogenicity of the organ - a sign of hematoma;
• thickening/thinning of organ tissue - splenic infarction;
• hypoechoic structure of the organ - inflammation of the organ;
• the size of the organ is larger than normal, convex contours, a pointed edge, increased parenchyma density, enlarged lymph nodes in the area of ​​the organ's hilum - leukemic infiltration.

Here is only a small part of the information that is given when deciphering an ultrasound of the spleen. Only an experienced specialist can give an accurate explanation of the analysis, catch all the smallest changes in the structure of the organ, and determine this or that disease.

If it was deleted

If the spleen is removed, it is not the end of life. The human body can cope without it. In such cases, its functions are taken over by other organs.

The spleen can be removed in case of injury or illness. Some people are born without this organ. But this pathology is combined with defects of the cardiovascular system.

Prevention

Diseases of other organs can provoke inflammation of this one. If during a cold there is pain under the rib on the left side, this is a distress signal from the spleen. That is, it is exhausted and cannot cope with its functions in the body.

In the case when spleen tissue ruptures, it is possible to save the organ in rare cases, in 1% out of 100. To avoid such situations, to prevent rupture:

• heavy physical activity is contraindicated;
• it is necessary to comply with bed rest for acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections;
• need to avoid stressful and emergency situations on the roads;
• Do not lift heavy things;
• Pregnant women are advised to wear a bandage to avoid injury to the spleen.

Even if the spleen does not cause concern, regular examination of the abdominal organs once a year will not be superfluous. This way you can protect yourself from late diagnosis of any ailments.

A little conclusion

Now you know what the spleen is and why it is needed. We also talked about how an ultrasound examination of this organ is performed and how to prepare. We named the norms of the spleen, and also indicated possible deviations in size and shape.

The method of performing an ultrasound scan of the spleen differs little from the methods of echography of the liver, since scanning the condition of the spleen is an obligatory part of the general examination of the abdominal organs. The technique of performing ultrasound of the spleen involves special preparation of the patient for the procedure. Preparation is standard for any type of ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs and includes compliance with the following rules and recommendations:

• The procedure is carried out in the morning on an empty stomach, the last meal before the ultrasound should be at least 8 hours before the procedure;
• For several days before the ultrasound (2-3), you should adhere to a gentle diet, excluding the consumption of all types of legumes, black bread, whole milk products and raw vegetables;
• It is recommended to take sorbent preparations (activated carbon) and enzymes for two days before the procedure;
• If the patient has chronic diseases for which morning fasting before an ultrasound is impossible, for example, diabetes, a light breakfast is allowed.

Echography of the spleen, like almost all other ultrasound examinations of the organs of the lower body, is carried out with the patient in a horizontal position. As for scanning the spleen, the visualization of which due to anatomical features difficult, the patient’s position may vary depending on the number of ultrasound sections. It is also necessary to take into account that the spleen is examined, as a rule, with a fairly deep breath. If the scan does not provide clear visual results, examination through the intercostal space is possible. The patient turns to right side(on its side) and throws it behind its head left hand. The study is carried out using a sensor inclined closer to the diaphragm, starting from under the costal arch area. The sensor is then moved down the ninth intercostal space. The scanning continues with rhythmic repetitions, and it is recommended to change the patient's position - lying on his back, lying down and lying on his right side. For better acoustic access and expansion of the intercostal spaces, it is recommended to elevate the patient's body, lying on the right side, using a special cushion or rolled towel.

The next stage is to carry out longitudinal movements, cuts along the entire axillary line (axillary) - both anterior and posterior. The upper abdomen is also examined using longitudinal sections. Typically, scanning the condition of the spleen is carried out as part of a liver study; this helps to comprehensively assess the presence of abnormalities in the functions of these interconnected organs. The specifics and variations of the technique are directly related to the indications for the examination, including the following:

• Hypersplenism and splenomegaly. The task is to assess the size, localization of the spleen and splenic vein, structure; an additional set of studies is mandatory (CT, laboratory analytical methods);
• Hematological diseases;
• Pathology of the liver parenchyma, cirrhosis. The task is to assess the degree of deviations from the norm (spleen size, condition of the splenic vein, presence of portal hypertension);
• Portal hypertension is an extrahepatic form;
• Lesions of the spleen in situations of peritoneal trauma;
• Oncological process.

The spleen as a hematological filter is extremely important for the human body and any changes in its functioning require detailed study and extensive diagnostic measures. An ultrasound examination, provided the spleen is healthy, clearly visualizes the following parameters of this organ:

• Crescent curved shape;
• Location in the left quadrant of the abdominal cavity from above, localization - the left lower part of the diaphragm;
• The stomach is located closer to the middle of the spleen (medial), the tail of the pancreas (pancreas) is located medial to the hilum splenicum - the gate of the spleen. The kidney on the left should be slightly lower than the spleen and closer to the middle.

The method of performing ultrasound of the spleen includes the study of the following signs of pathological processes and deviations from normal parameters:

• How far the right lobe protrudes from under the costal space. The norm is no protrusion;
• The size from the lower edge to the thoraco-abdominal barrier - the diaphragm, CVR (oblique vertical size) should not be more than 140 millimeters;
• To what extent does the left lobe protrude from under the processus xiphoideus - the xiphoid process;
• To what extent does the left lobe correspond to the norm? The norm is no more than 60 millimeters.

Research practice shows that additional lobes of the spleen may be an individual anatomical variant of the norm. Additional shares have small size and on ultrasound are visualized as small round homogeneous formations localized in the portal zone of the spleen.

The following indicators and signs are considered normal:

• The linear signal is quite dense, comes from the capsule, designates the organ as sickle-shaped, without pathological changes in size;
• Homogeneity of the parenchyma, which is visualized by signals as lobular. The echogenicity is average. There may be a vascular network penetrating the parenchyma in the hilum area;
• It is possible to visualize additional small lobes in the area of ​​the organ's hilum;
• Designation of the splenic vein with an echo-negative straight cord. The diameter of the vein may vary, but not more than 5 millimeters;
• An oblique section parallel to the left rib shows the size of the organ no more than 12 centimeters, a transverse section gives no more than 8 centimeters, the thickness should not be higher than 4 centimeters.

When assessing the size of the spleen, the area of ​​the oblique cut is usually calculated. The calculation is made by multiplying the maximum number by the minimum. Result norm: the lower limit is not less than 23.5 square centimeters, the upper limit is more than 15.5 square centimeters. An average of 19.5 is considered normal; minimal deviations of no more than 5 millimeters are possible.

The technique of performing ultrasound of the spleen allows you to determine acute and chronic pathologies:

• Leukemic or infectious infarction of an organ;
• Inversion of the splenic pedicle, requiring surgical intervention;
• Infarction abscesses, also abscesses caused by bacterial infections (endocarditis);
• Echinococcal cystic formations, more often serous cysts, traumatic ruptures;
• Amyloidosis of the spleen of tuberculous etiology or as a consequence of osteomyelitis, age-related atrophy of the organ, degeneration of the spleen associated with anemia;
• Organ enlargement (hypersplenism, splenomegaly) of various etiologies.

The technique of performing ultrasound of the spleen is constantly being improved and with each round of introduction of new methods and methods it helps to obtain more specific, timely information about possible pathologies of the spleen. This information is of diagnostic value for gastroenterologists, hematologists, endocrinologists and, in principle, is important for studying the functioning of the spleen.

Ultrasound of the spleen is a procedure that helps doctors examine the condition of the organ and determine its diffuse and local structures, the presence or absence of neoplasms such as a cyst, lymphoma or hemangioma.

In addition, an ultrasound may show rupture or inflammation of the spleen, the reasons for its enlargement. Let's figure out how an ultrasound of the spleen is performed and how to properly prepare for this process.

As you know, the absence of a spleen does not affect the condition of the body in any way; many people live for years without this organ.

However, it performs a number of important functions for the body: it fights bone marrow and blood diseases, produces antibodies to infections, and forms cellular immunity that resists bacteria and viruses.

The spleen takes part in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and iron. In addition, it destroys platelets and blood cells that have outlived their useful life, cleanses the bloodstream, and controls the formation and circulation of platelets and leukocytes in the blood.

Usually, ultrasound of the spleen is prescribed for organ enlargement - splenomegaly. Normally, the spleen is hidden at the top of the abdominal cavity on the left under the ribs, but if it is enlarged, its lower edge can be felt under the ribs. In cases of severe pathologies, the spleen is very enlarged.

In addition to organ enlargement, the reason for ultrasound is cirrhosis of the liver. Initially, the disease affects only the liver structure, but over time it can switch to other organs, affecting the heart, digestive system, and spleen.

Ultrasound of the spleen is performed for hypertension, which occurs both with cirrhosis of the liver and in the case of other serious problems. The spleen in such pathologies is noticeably enlarged.

An indication for examination is also a neoplasm (hemangioma, lymphoma, cyst) in the spleen or a rupture.

This examination will help not only determine the size of the tumor, but also suggest the reasons why the lymphoma or hemangioma occurred.

In addition, ultrasound is prescribed for abdominal injuries when a splenic rupture is suspected. This organ is actively supplied with blood, so severe internal bleeding often occurs when injured.

Often the parenchyma of the organ is damaged first, but the capsule remains intact. But when too much blood accumulates, the capsule ruptures, clearing the path for blood. Ultrasound examination will help detect such hidden damage and take action in time.

In addition, the reasons for ultrasound of the spleen are blood diseases, organ abnormalities, chronic liver pathologies, various infectious diseases, suspicion of metastases from the liver and other organs.

Inflammation of the spleen is also the basis for ultrasound. Independent inflammation of this organ is a rather rare phenomenon; most often it is transferred from other organs - the liver, digestive organs. In addition, inflammation can cause rupture or infarction of the spleen.

Preparation and carrying out the procedure

Ultrasound of the spleen is a procedure that has virtually no contraindications. Preparation for an examination of the spleen in an adult is similar to preparation for an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.

Remember, in order for the procedure to give normal, undistorted results, you must take the preparation process responsibly.

The examination is usually carried out in the morning, on an empty stomach, so preparation includes food restriction 7 - 9 hours before.

Sick diabetes mellitus Only a light snack in the morning in the form of a cracker with tea is allowed.

Eating before the examination is prohibited due to the fact that a full stomach can cover other organs of the peritoneum, so the procedure will not be sufficiently informative.

Excessive gas formation in the intestines can spoil the results of the study, so preparation includes the prevention of bloating.

To avoid intestinal bloating during diagnosis and to prepare well for the procedure, two days before the procedure you do not need to consume legumes, milk, baked goods, fresh fruits and vegetables and other foods that promote fermentation and can negatively affect the results of the ultrasound.

If the patient suffers from constipation, then it is necessary to prepare separately. In the evening before the examination, he needs to take a herbal laxative or put a suppository.

You can also do an enema if this disease torments you regularly. Before the test, it is not advisable to chew gum or suck on hard candies or chewing candies.

Alcohol or smoking can cause stomach cramps, which will also negatively affect the diagnosis and spoil the results.

It is important to know that no special preparation is needed to conduct an ultrasound of the spleen of an infant. The baby should be fed as usual, and you need to come for examination 3 hours after the last feeding.

If the baby is artificial, then at least 3.5 hours should pass, because the mixture takes longer to be absorbed by the body.

If necessary, the baby can be given water, but tea and drinks with sugar are strictly prohibited.

The study takes place in a supine position. The patient lies on the couch on his back. In order for the doctor to properly examine the organ, the patient will need to lie down in a special way.

You need to lie on your right side and put your left hand behind your head. This way, the width of the intercostal spaces will increase, and the ultrasound device’s sensor will be able to study the organ much better.

Sometimes, to improve visualization, the diagnostician asks the patient to take a deep breath or hold his breath so that he can clearly see the organ.

The entire procedure usually lasts no more than 15 minutes, after which the results are deciphered. To examine children and adults, the doctor uses different types of sensors.

Interpretation of examination results

One of the most common pathologies of the spleen is its enlargement. That is why an ultrasound of an organ determines its dimensions - thickness, length and width.

Normally, the length of the spleen is 11–12 cm, width 6–8 cm, and thickness 4–5 cm in an adult.

Sizes also depend on gender, age and build. The organ weighs 150–170 grams in its normal state, and when enlarged it weighs about 400 grams.

Not only the size of the organ may differ between different people, but also form. Normally, one of the size indicators of the spleen may be enlarged, but if two or three sizes are exceeded, the transcript of the study indicates probable splenomegaly.

The ultrasound interpretation describes the structure of the splenic tissue, the presence of congestion, neoplasms (cyst, hemangioma), and shows the diameter of the splenic artery and vein.

Using an ultrasound examination, the doctor can also identify pathologies that cannot be seen directly.

Often, during the procedure, a specialist calculates the area of ​​the maximum and minimum oblique section of the organ, multiplying these indicators among themselves.

Normally, the resulting figure should range from 15.5 to 23.5 cm. If necessary, the doctor can also measure the volume of the organ.

In addition, the spleen in a normal state has an average echogenicity; a vascular network is possible in the hilum area. Normally, the organ has the shape of a crescent.

The spleen is located at the top of the abdominal cavity in the lower part of the diaphragm, to the left of the liver. The tail of the pancreas should be near the middle of the hilum of the spleen. The stomach is located approximately near the middle of the organ, and the kidneys are located just below it.

Deciphering helps to identify various pathologies of the organ. The large size of the spleen, sharp edges, pronounced contours, increased echostructure and enlarged lymph nodes at the hilum of the organ indicate leukemic infiltration.

In the case of an abscess, the interpretation shows a hypoechoic or mixed structure, as well as the presence of a cyst - an oval-shaped formation with uneven edges.

With a hematoma, ultrasound shows ragged edges, a mixed or anechoic structure of the organ. An irregular outline of the spleen and fluid under the diaphragm or in the abdomen indicate a rupture. Depleted or dense tissue indicates an organ infarction.

The spleen rarely undergoes the development of pathological processes, however, various injuries and diseases can affect it.

An ultrasound examination is ideal for studying the organ, as it can easily detect a rupture, enlargement of the spleen, and the presence of neoplasms (cyst, hemangioma).

To ensure that the research results are accurate and decoding is not difficult, it is important to properly prepare for this procedure.

The spleen is a human organ located in the area of ​​the left hypochondrium. It performs important functions of the body, such as: the formation of cellular and humoral immunity, the fight against pathological processes in the blood and bone marrow, and also participates in metabolism. Due to the functionality of the organ, it is important to perform an ultrasound of the spleen in children on time.

Due to the overall size of the child, his spleen is less protected from external factors, since the organ is closed imperfectly tightly by the ribs. Besides, the spleen can pathologically increase in size in both adults and children. In order to monitor the condition of the child’s spleen, you need to attend an ultrasound. With the help of an ultrasound examination, parents will be sure that their child is healthy, or they will immediately take any measures for treatment.

There are many indications for ultrasound examination of this organ. They are:

• suspicion of the formation of malignant tumors;
• injury to the body in the organ area;
• leukemia and similar neoplastic pathological processes;
• presence of infectious diseases: typhus, different kinds sepsis, syphilis, tuberculosis;
• abnormal factors in development or functioning;
• suspected portal hypertension.

How to prepare

There are no special preparatory steps for an ultrasound examination of the spleen in a child. The basic preparation for this procedure is no different from preparation for any abdominal ultrasound.

Before undergoing the examination, the patient needs to comply with several factors.

2-3 days before the ultrasound, the child should adhere to a unique diet that excludes foods that cause fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract.

These products include:

• dairy and fermented milk products;
• legumes;
• sugary sweets: cakes, desserts and pastries in particular;
• black bread;
• fresh vegetables and vegetable dishes prepared without heat treatment;
• carbonated drinks.

Beyond diet a couple of days before the ultrasound, you should take a course of tablets that eliminate gas formation. This aspect must be taken into account, since gases in the body interfere with the correct performance of any ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. Since the study is carried out on an empty stomach, the patient’s last meal should take place 8-9 hours before the procedure.

Important! Any preparatory actions must be taken under the supervision of the attending physician!

How to do it

An ultrasound of any abdominal organ is performed as a standard procedure. The patient assumes a supine position on the couch. A special gel is applied to the skin of the abdomen, which improves the passage of ultrasonic waves. Using a sensor, a specialist examines the patient’s abdominal cavity, and all information is instantly displayed on the screen.

The examination itself lasts no longer than 20 minutes. At the end of the procedure, you should remove the remaining gel from your stomach; for this, it is advisable to have a napkin, towel or diaper with you.

Pathologies

Ultrasound examination of an organ such as the spleen can help detect many and varied pathological formations and changes. These include:

• cysts;
• formations of a benign or malignant nature;
• mechanical organ injuries;
• inflammation of the spleen;
• necrosis of organ tissue;
• various abscesses.

Splenomegaly

An increase in the size of the organ, or so-called splenomegaly, can occur for several reasons. This pathological process is almost never a specific disease, but is considered only a symptom of a more serious illness. Let's consider what acute diseases a symptom of an enlarged spleen in a person may be:

• heart disease;
• acute bacterial infections;
• pathological processes occurring in the blood;
• liver diseases;
• disruption of metabolic processes in the body;
• cystic formations.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a disease characterized by damage to lymph tissue. The threat posed by the presence of lymphoma is the tendency to develop tumors. But, most often, it is splenic lymphoma that does not pose a particular malignant threat.

Splenitis

Splenitis is characterized inflammatory processes, occurring in the spleen. This disease is difficult to identify early stages, since it has virtually no effect on the patient’s well-being.

Cysts

A splenic cyst is a pathology in the form of a neoplasm with a cavity filled with fluid. How smaller child, the less unnoticed the disease progresses, which makes it difficult to identify the disease.

Gap

A splenic rupture is the destruction of its integrity due to any injury. The disease is accompanied by acute pain and blood loss.

Decoding the results

The normal size of the spleen depends on the age of the child. If a teenager is examined, then the norms of his organ are as follows: length – 90-120 cm, width – 34-49 cm. The normal sizes for a one-year-old baby are different: width – 17-25 cm, length – 50-65 cm.

If in the picture the organ is lighter in color and has a homogeneous structure, then the patient has splenitis. Uneven outlines of the organ may indicate a hematoma. An abscess on ultrasound is characterized as a hypoechoic structure.

The cystic formation looks like an object with uneven contours. It is possible to detect an additional lobe - a small growth.

Doctors say that this is just a structural feature of the organ in some people.

Where to make and price

An ultrasound scan of the spleen is possible in any clinic in a big city. To do this, you only need the availability of specialists and equipment. The cost of the procedure may vary depending on the city, the quality of the equipment, and other things. IN big city the cost of an ultrasound scan of the spleen is 800-1200 rubles.

Conclusion

The body of children is more fragile than that of adults. Whenever possible, you need to monitor the condition of the child’s organs. Any problems with the spleen are a serious reason for an ultrasound.

The liver and spleen are very important human organs and perform a “filtration” function, as well as a depot function.

What functions does the liver perform?

Liver functions:

Detoxification - synthesizes albumins, which bind toxic substances coming from outside and breakdown products in the body, and are excreted from the body in a non-toxic state (hemoglobin, breaking down, binds to protein, turning into direct bilirubin and is excreted in feces and urine);

The liver synthesizes proteins (not only albumins) and globulins, which form human humoral immunity;

Participates in the metabolic processes of proteins, fats (synthesis of cholesterol, which forms the myelin sheath of nerve fibers and is part of many hormones) and carbohydrates (glygenogenesis occurs in the liver itself);

Participates in the synthesis and metabolism of vitamins and minerals.

Manifestations of liver damage, based on its functions, can be diverse - these are:

Immunity disorders
central lesion nervous system toxic breakdown products,
swelling due to hypoalbuminemia,
deficiency of vitamins and minerals,
disruption of metabolic processes associated with the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates and others.

A rare manifestation of liver disease is pain. There are no pain receptors in the liver tissue; they are present only on the inner layer of the liver. Therefore, only with significant liver swelling (inflammation) will pain be clinically manifested.

What functions does the spleen perform?

Functions of the spleen:

Depot of blood cells - red blood cells and leukocytes are stored in them, if necessary, they leave the depot into the bloodstream;
Filtration function – when bacteria and protozoa enter;
A depot for decay products of the body - it is also called the “cemetery” of red blood cells and platelets.

Isolated diseases of the spleen are rare (congenital malformations of the spleen), they are mainly the result of other diseases (diseases of the liver, blood, infections: typhoid fever, infectious mononucleosis, measles, syphilis, scarlet fever and others). For diagnosing diseases of the abdominal organs, including the liver and spleen, the leading method is ultrasound.

For what diseases are ultrasound diagnostics of the liver and spleen recommended:

If a person has a feeling of heaviness or pain in the right hypochondrium;
Yellowness of the skin and sclera;
Bitterness in the mouth;
Trauma in the abdominal area;
At infectious diseases(both viral and bacterial);
For blood diseases (leukemia, thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic anemia);
If the liver or spleen is enlarged or painful on palpation.

Ultrasound of the liver and spleen allow you to see:

Their sizes
shape,
structure,
the edges,
inclusions (cysts, echinococcosis),
sclerosis (in the liver),
areas of infarction (in the spleen),
tumors.

For Ultrasound of the liver and spleen special training is required. Three days before the test, milk should be excluded from the diet. dairy products, baked goods, fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes, carbonated drinks. If you are prone to flatulence, take sorbents and enzymes. You should refrain from eating 6-8 hours before your scheduled test.

It is in our clinic modern equipment you can get diagnosed. Competent specialists will also prescribe an effective course of treatment for you.