The diagnostic value of pneumoperitoneogram for splenomegaly in chronic liver diseases

The splenic enlargement is an important symptoms of portal hypertension, and various attempts have been made to objectively describe it. But, endoscopic diagnosis for splenomegaly in chronic liver diseases may be sometimes difficult for these uncharacteristic appearances. The pneumoperitoneography was performed in 141 chronic liver diseases just before laparoscopic procedure, size and form of the spleen on X-ray film were measured and analysed. We have compared these results with the laparoscopic findings (the gross appearance of liver and spleen, the degree of portal hypertension, etc), the patterns on scintigram and the histological findings of the liver. There were fairely good correlation between the splenic findings on radiogram and above factors, especially the size of the spleen was gradually increased according to the degree of portal hypertension and the fibrous change of the liver specimens. In conclusion, the findings of spleen on pneumoperitoneogram were valuable for diagnosis of splenomegaly in chronic liver diseases.