Lesson 16 (Part 2) Flashcards
What is the normal volume for the spleen?
60-200mL
What is the average weight of the spleen?
<150g on autopsy
- 80-300g average
- depends on age/gender
What happens to the spleen with increasing age?
Its size and weight decreases
- even smaller in women
What is the echogenicity of the spleen compared to the liver and the left kidney?
Hyperechoic
What is the echotecture of the spleen?
The parenchyma is homogenous
What is normal to see in the spleen as a patient ages?
Calcified arteries
What level do you measure the spleen in sagittal?
At the level of the hilum
- longest point
Is the spleen routinely scanned in an abdomen exam?
Yes
What are the 2 positions you can scan the spleen in?
- Supine
- left intercostal coronal approach - Right lateral decubitus
What are common maneuvers when scanning the spleen? (3)
- Small breath in
- Large breath in
- Shallow breathing
- or no breathing
What can help with identifying the location of the hilum? (2)
- Splenic vein
2. Splenic artery
Why is scanning intercostally difficult?
Have to be directly in between the ribs, otherwise we will see shadow in our image
Why is scanning the spleen superiorly difficult?
Because of the lungs
- cant see through air
Why is scanning subcostaly not always possible?
Gas
What are 3 pitfalls when scanning the spleen?
- Ribs
- Gas
- close to the stomach - Lungs/diaphragm