The sonographic measurement of the spleen: A clinical audit

Abstract Introduction The spleen is an intra‐abdominal organ that increases in size (splenomegaly) due to a variety of hepatic and haematological pathologies. The measurement of its size is crucial for patient treatment and monitoring. This project sought to determine a standard technique for the sonographic measurement of the spleen through a retrospective clinical audit. Methods Serial splenic measurements from 250 patients were retrospectively assessed for caliper placement and visualisation/technique. The measurements were graded according to caliper placement and splenic visualisation on ultrasound. Patients included had serial abdominal ultrasounds over the 3 years prior to audit. Results A literature review was performed to establish a benchmark for splenic measurement. This uncovered a wide variation in reported normal splenic length measurement values. The key point from the data collected along with the literature review is that a normal measurement of the spleen is 10–12 cm. Consistent results were found regarding the method sonographers used to measure the spleen. Discussion To standardise measurement method, the spleen should be imaged with the patient in the right posterior oblique position in the optimal respiratory phase for individual patient habitus.