Sonographic features of drug-induced splenic congestion

Drug-induced splenic congestion has been reported in dogs secondary to barbiturate administration. This research attempted to verify and quantify size changes associated with drug-induced splenic congestion in dogs. Transverse plane ultrasound images of the spleen in normal dogs were collected to determine the maximum diameter in the minimum dimension prior to, and 15 min after, administration of acepromazine, thiopental, or propofol. Significant splenic enlargement was seen after administration of acepromazine (P<0.01) and thiopental (P=0.02), but no enlargement was seen after administration of propofol. Significantly increased attenuation (P<0.01) and a trend of increased backscatter (P=0.09) were measured after administration of acepromazine. These results indicate that measurable splenomegaly occurs after acepromazine and thiopental administration. This represents the first report of a condition causing measurable diffuse increased attenuation in the spleen. Propofol does not cause measurable splenic enlargement under the conditions of this research.