[Accuracy of the sonographic determination of the splenic weight in comparison with the weight at autopsy].
OBJECTIVE
The weight of the spleen can be easily calculated from sonographic measurements. This study investigates the correlations between the weight of the spleen determined sonographically and the weight measured at autopsy or after splenectomy.


METHODS
The splenic weight at autopsy or after splenectomy was correlated with the calculated sonographic splenic weight in 55 patients who had a sonographic examination within the preceding three weeks.


RESULTS
A significant correlation (r = 0.978) was found between the sonographically calculated splenic weight (460.82 grams) and the measured weight of the removed spleen (average weight 463.18 grams). Spleens weighing more than 1 kg showed a slightly weaker correlation.


CONCLUSIONS
This study proves that the simple formula of length x transverse diameter x vertical diameter x 0.6 provides a reliable calculation of the weight of the spleen.
Klühs
L
L
Abteilung Hämatologie, Onkologie und Tumorimmunologie, Helios Klinikum Berlin, Charité Campus Berlin-Buch, Robert-Rössle-Klinik, Berlin.
Teichgräber
U K M
UK
Schneider
U
U
Ludwig
W-D
WD
Dörken
B
B
Benter
T
T
D001344:Autopsy; D006801:Humans; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D009929:Organ Size; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013154:Spleen / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D013156:Splenectomy; D013163:Splenomegaly / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*