[Clinical significance of sonographically detected splenomegaly]

In 502 patients, length, thickness and width of the spleen as well its location with respect to the ipsilateral kidney were determined by means of ultrasonography, and a relationship was established with the incidence of diseases accompanied by enlargement of the spleen. A significant correlation to the incidence of such diseases was found only with respect to spleen thickness. The probability of a corresponding disease was 80% for a spleen thickness of 5 cm, 90% for 6 cm and 100% for more than 7 cm. A comparison between palpation and ultrasonography supported the fact that enlargement of the spleen can, in many cases, not be ascertained by palpation, but that palpation findings are indeed positive in splenic enlargement of minor degree. The most suitable parameter for ultrasonographic detection of splenomegaly is thus spleen thickness, for which a limit value of 5 cm should be assumed. If the spleen is found to exceed this value, further examinations are indicated to clarify the underlying disease.