Sonographic Difference in Splenic Dimensions Between Healthy Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women.

Abstract

Background: The spleen undergoes variations in its dimensions during pregnancy. Splenic morbidities can also affect pregnancy.

Aim: This study was aimed at investigating by means of ultrasound, the normal splenic dimensions throughout gestation in healthy pregnant women and to ascertain any relationship between it and other parameters such as age, weight, height and parity.

Materials and methods: The study comprised 100 pregnant subjects and 100 controls. The splenic dimensions and foetal biometry, where appropriate, were measured for assessment of gestational age (GA). Comparison of splenic dimensions between study groups and controls was made. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences 22 (SPSS). Results were displayed using appropriate statistical methods. For all statistical tests, P < 0.05 was significant.

Results: The mean age of the pregnant subjects was 31.3 ± 3.9 years, while that of the non-pregnant controls was 30.1 ± 5.7 years. The mean splenic length, width, thickness and volume for pregnant subjects were 10.3 ± 1.17 cm, 5.1 ± 0.74 cm, 5.2 ± 0.69 cm and 147.3 ± 45.03 cm3, respectively. The mean splenic length, width, thickness and volume for controls were 9.6 ± 1.00 cm, 4.3 ± 0.35 cm, 4.7 ± 0.33 cm and 104.0 ± 21.65 cm3, respectively. Pregnant subjects were observed to have higher mean splenic length, width, thickness and volume (P = 0.001). There was increase in splenic dimensions with increasing GA.

Conclusion: Pregnant subjects had significantly higher splenic dimensions compared to non-pregnant subjects. A statistically significant increase in length, throughout pregnancy, was also observed.