Spleen ultrasound is an imaging examination that allows assessment of the condition of the spleen and detection of pathologies such as organ enlargement, cysts, tumors, as well as changes associated with disorders of the circulatory system and immune function. This method is safe, non-invasive, and highly effective for diagnosing diseases of the spleen.
When is spleen ultrasound indicated?
Spleen ultrasound may be recommended in the following situations:
- Splenomegaly — enlargement of the spleen, which may be associated with various conditions such as infectious diseases, blood disorders (anemia, leukemia), liver cirrhosis, or metastatic cancer.
- Pain in the left upper quadrant — dull or sharp pain in the left hypochondrium may indicate pathological changes in the spleen.
- Splenic trauma — after abdominal injuries or blunt trauma, which may result in splenic rupture or internal bleeding.
- Circulatory disorders — for evaluation of abnormalities in the blood vessels supplying the spleen, such as thrombosis or aneurysms.
- Jaundice — yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes, which may be related to diseases affecting the spleen and biliary system.
- Immune system disorders — since the spleen plays an important role in immune function, its pathologies may be associated with immune dysfunction.
Advantages of spleen ultrasound
- Safety — ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation, making it completely safe for patients of all ages, including children and pregnant women.
- Accuracy — allows precise evaluation of spleen size, structure, and condition, as well as detection of cysts, tumors, inflammatory changes, and other abnormalities.
- Painlessness — the procedure is painless, does not cause discomfort, and does not require anesthesia.
- Accessibility — spleen ultrasound is available in most medical institutions and usually takes only 15–20 minutes.
How is spleen ultrasound performed?
During spleen ultrasound, the patient lies on their back, and a special gel is applied to the abdominal area to improve contact between the ultrasound probe and the skin. The physician moves the probe over the left upper abdomen to thoroughly examine the spleen, assessing its size, structure, and the presence of any abnormalities. The procedure typically lasts 15–20 minutes.
It is important to note that, to obtain accurate results, the patient may be advised to follow simple preparation guidelines, such as fasting for several hours before the examination to reduce intestinal gas.
Spleen ultrasound is available in leading clinics in Belarus, where qualified specialists provide high-quality examinations and individualized treatment recommendations.
