Ultrasound Assessment of Spleen Size in Collegiate Athletes

Authors

Robert G. Hosey, University of Kentucky
Carl G. Mattacola, University of Kentucky
V. Kriss, University of Kentucky
T. Armsey, University of South Carolina
J. D. Quarles, University of Kentucky
J. Jagger, University of Kentucky

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine normal spleen dimensions in a healthy collegiate athletic population.

METHODS: 631 Division I collegiate athletes from one university participated in the study. During pre-participation examinations, demographic data collected were collected from volunteer athletes including sex, race, measurement of height and weight, and age. Subjects also completed a medical history form to determine any history of mononucleosis infection, platelet disorder, sickle cell disease (or trait), thalassaemia, or recent viral symptoms. Subjects then underwent a limited abdominal ultrasound examination, where splenic length and width were recorded.

RESULTS: Mean (SD) splenic length was 10.65 (1.55) cm and width, 5.16 (1.21) cm. Men had larger spleens than women (p

CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide range of normal spleen size among collegiate athletes. Average spleen size was larger in men and white athletes than in women and black athletes. A single ultrasound examination for determination of splenomegaly is of limited value in this population.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2006

Notes/Citation Information

Published in British Journal of Sports Medicine, v. 40, no. 3, p. 251-254.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2005.022376

Repository Citation

Hosey, Robert G.; Mattacola, Carl G.; Kriss, V.; Armsey, T.; Quarles, J. D.; and Jagger, J., "Ultrasound Assessment of Spleen Size in Collegiate Athletes" (2006). Family and Community Medicine Faculty Publications. 1.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/familymedicine_facpub/1