title: The ultrasound examination of the spleen.
abstract: The spleen is a parenchymatous organ located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, in the splenic lodge. The normal spleen is 10-12 cm long and 3-5 cm thick. The ultrasound examination of the spleen is better performed in a fasting patient, in supine or right lateral position, using an intercostal approach, with a 3.5 to 5 MHz transducer. Due to the high position of this organ, covered by the ribs, inviting the patient to take a deep breath could be useful.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timişoara, Martir Petru Domasneanu str. Bl 73, Ap 9, 300251 Timisoara, Romania. mireladanila@gmail.com
authors.forename: Mirela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dănilă
mesh_terms: D005215:Fasting; D006801:Humans; D056888:Patient Positioning; D012016:Reference Values; D013154:Spleen / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013158:Splenic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014159:Transducers; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*