Abstract
<strong><em>Introduction: </em></strong>A detailed knowledge on morphometric variations of the spleen is of great value in diagnosing splenomegaly clinically, radiologically and for surgical procedures. <strong><em> </em></strong> <strong><em>Objectives: </em></strong>This study was undertaken to establish splenic morphometry in a group of Sri Lankan adults. <strong><em> </em></strong> <strong><em>Methodology: </em></strong>Splenic morphology was noted and maximum length, thickness, width were recorded (n=30) using a vernier caliper (Tricebrand) with minimum measurement of 0.001cm. The weight was measured with a manual triple beam balance (up to 0.1g). Splenic index (width x length x thickness) and splenic volume (0.524 x splenic index) were calculated. Cadavers with history of haemopoetic or reticular endothelial disorders, ruptured, grossly adhered spleens were excluded from the study. Results were expressed as mean ± SD. <strong><em> </em></strong> <strong><em>Results: </em></strong>Out of the total spleens, 43.3% were semilunar, 33.3% wedge, 10% oval, 3.3% tetrahedral, 6.6% polygonal wedge shaped and 3.3% single lobed liver shaped. Notches were absent in 16.67% and when notches are present they are exclusively in the superior border. Single notch was present in 26.7%. Out of single notches, 30% were posterior pole notches. More than one notch was present in 46.7% and the 81.8% of those were in the anterior pole. Mean length, width and thickness were 8.06cm ± 1.66, 7.65cm ± 1.05 and 5.33cm ± 0.89 respectively. Splenic index was 174.67. Splenic volume and weight were 91.52 cm3and 80.13g± 35.84 respectively<em>.</em> <strong><em> </em></strong> <strong><em>Conclusion: </em></strong>This pilot study reveals that the splenic morphology is in par with other populations and bipolar length of the spleen has strong positive correlation with the volume. Large scale study is recommended to establish population specific data base.
Highlights
A detailed knowledge on morphometric variations of the spleen is of great value in diagnosing splenomegaly clinically, radiologically and for surgical procedures
Having a sound knowledge on detailed splenic morphology and morphometry is of value as it prevents misinterpreting normal splenic variations as pathologies
Location and number of splenic notches were recorded with regard to the superior or inferior border of the spleen and with regards to the upper and lower poles [2]
Summary
A detailed knowledge on morphometric variations of the spleen is of great value in diagnosing splenomegaly clinically, radiologically and for surgical procedures. Conclusion: This pilot study reveals that the splenic morphology is in par with other populations and bipolar length of the spleen has strong positive correlation with the volume. As a result of rotation of the stomach, it takes the position of left hypochondrium between two leaves of the dorsal mesogastrium [4,5] Spleen has both immunological and haematological functions, in which the white and red pulp serves important roles. Splenic surgeries vary from open total/ partial splenectomy to laparoscopic splenectomy, where the knowledge of splenic anatomy and surgical techniques are imperative for good results [5] This organ is involved with a wide variety of congenital and acquired disease conditions, frequently been subjected to radiological assessments. The present preliminary study is aimed at evaluating the normal morphometry of the spleen in a Sri Lankan adult population and is fully justified due to scarcity of such information for this population
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