A Cadaveric Study on Morphometric Features of Spleen and Splenomegaly with Accessory Spleen in Hilum

Abstract

Background: Anatomical knowledge regarding the external morphology of the spleen is essential for surgical intervention and radiological diagnosis. Splenomegaly is defined as pathologic enlargement of the spleen measured by size or weight. A normal spleen has a craniocaudal length of no more than 12 cm and weighs less than 200 g. It is surrounded by a thin capsule. The spleen is usually not palpable unless it is enlarged; therefore, a palpable spleen is almost always abnormal. At times the spleen may be difficult to palpate, but dullness to percussion during inspiration in the area of the lower left intercostal space in the left anterior axillary line suggests splenic enlargement. Massive splenomegaly, weight >1000 g usually occurs in lymphoma, myeloproliferative disorders, visceral leishmaniasis, and malaria. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in different medical institutions, to find morphometric features, spenomegaly in cadaver during routine anatomy dissection as part of curriculum, 100 cadavers were observed to find out splenomegaly. Results: Out of 100 spleens studied, 81 cases wedge shaped spleen was the most common, followed by 12 tetrahedral shaped spleens and 7 oval shaped spleens. Average weight of the spleen was 175g. Average length of the spleen was 11.64cm, Average breadth of the spleen was 7.3cm and average thickness of spleen was 3.6cm. Out of 100 cadavers observed only one cadaver observed with massive splenomegaly with one accessory spleen in hilum. The spleen weight was 875gm, length was 18.15 cm, width was 8.65cm, thickness was 5.75cm and extended upto 7 rib and it is easily palpable below the rib cage from lumbar aspect. The cadaver was male and age around 55 years. Conclusion: The morphometric knowledge of spleen will helpful for surgeons and for understanding deceases related spleen. The knowledge of splenomegaly is important in finding splenic disorders and accessory spleen information helpful in understanding embryonic development of spleen. KEY WORDS: Splenomegaly, Spleen, Hilum of Spleen, Accessory spleen.