Sonographic biometry of liver and spleen size in childhood

Abstract

In 194 healthy children of all ages, sonographic measurements of the liver and spleen were performed on standardized section planes and normal values established. These measurement values showed an approximately linear increase in the course of development and correlated best with the body length. For a rapid orientative evaluation of the liver size, sonographic nomograms of the individual measurements were developed. The spleen size was determined by volume calculation. On the basis of an index of liver size, which was calculated from the individual measurements, a diagram for simultaneous determination of liver and spleen size could be developed. These nomograms permit objective morphometry of size changes in the two organs.