Ultrasound of the spleen
Last reviewed: 24.06.2018
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Technique of ultrasound of the spleen
Scan in the patient's position on the back or in an inclined position. It is necessary to conduct multiple sections.
Scan from under the costal arch, tilting the sensor toward the diaphragm, then along the ninth intercostal space and down. Repeat the test through all the lower intervals first in the patient's position on the back, then in the position on the side, in an inclined position on the right side (30 °).
Then, draw longitudinal sections from the anterior to posterior axillary line, as well as transverse sections in the upper abdomen. Also perform liver scans, especially when the spleen is enlarged.
Methods of ultrasound of the spleen
When the spleen is of normal size, it is difficult to obtain a full image in one cut. The spleen's gates are the starting point for the correct identification of the spleen. The spleen's gates are defined as the place of entry of splenic vessels.
Ultrasound signs of normal spleen
It is very important to identify:
- The left dome of the diaphragm.
- The gate of the spleen.
- Splenic veins and the ratio of the spleen to the pancreas.
- Left kidney (renasplenial relationship).
- Left edge of the liver.
- The pancreas.
When the spleen is of normal size, it is difficult to obtain a full image in one cut. The spleen's gates are the starting point for the correct identification of the spleen. The spleen's gates are defined as the place of entry of splenic vessels.
It is important to be able to identify the left dome of the diaphragm and the upper edge of the spleen.
Ehostruktura
The spleen usually has a uniform ehostruktura. It is slightly less echogenic than the liver.
Ultrasound signs of the pathology of the spleen
The most common mistakes with ultrasound of the spleen
The following structures may be mistaken for a spleen malignancy:
- Education in the kidney.
- The tail of the pancreas.
- Tumors of the adrenal gland.
- Stomach.