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Effect of food intake on liver and spleen volume: assessment with single photon emission computed tomography
M S Roshdy1, S A Larsson, S Kimiaei
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Karolinska Hospital, Sweden.
Rationale And Objectives:
The authors evaluated the influence of food intake on liver and spleen size. The rationale was that since a meal induces a marked increase in splanchnic blood flow, organ volume might also be affected. This could influence conclusions made at clinical examination.
Methods:
Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was performed in 20 healthy volunteers after administration of technetium-99m albumin colloid before and after ingestion of a standardized meal. A semiautomatic technique was used to determine liver and spleen size.
Results:
There was a nonsignificant reduction in liver volume of 1.5% (P = .063) and a significant reduction in spleen volume of 3.2% (P = .00033) after food intake.
Conclusion:
Liver and spleen volume are marginally affected by food intake, and the changes are within the methodologic error of radiologic modalities.