spleen size

Q: The size of the spleen correlates with a person's height, weight, and sex.

A) True

B) False

Answer: A

Spleen size correlates with a person's height, weight, and sex, as it is expected to be larger in taller, bulkier males. 

Clinical significance: Calculated spleen size reduces splenomegaly misdiagnosis and avoids a million-dollar workup in otherwise normal individuals.

Bonus pearl: Radiologically reported splenomegaly in an otherwise normal person or without physical findings is called "scanomegaly"! (reference #4)

#physical-exam

#radiology

References:

1. Schranz T, Klaus J, Kratzer W, et al. A comparison of spleen size measured by ultrasound in a random population sample and a matched sample of patients at a university hospital, and the determination of normal values and influencing factors. Z Gastroenterol 2021; 59:438.

2. Pelizzo G, Guazzotti M, Klersy C, et al. Spleen size evaluation in children: Time to define splenomegaly for pediatric surgeons and pediatricians. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202741.

3. Tsehay B, Shitie D, Afenigus A, Essa M. Sonographic evaluation of spleen size in apparently healthy children in north-west Ethiopia, 2020: time to define splenomegaly. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:318.

4. Ntaios G, Chatzinikolaou A. The spleen in beta thalassaemia minor: splenomegaly or just 'scanomegaly'? Br J Haematol. 2008 Oct;143(1):143. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2008.07306.x. Epub 2008 Jul 28. PMID: 18665837.