Splenic vein: the norm in adults, causes of expansion and methods of treatment

2024 Author: Curtis Blomfield | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 20:44

In the article, we will consider what are the norms of the splenic vein.

The spleen is a lymphoreticular organ located in the circulatory system. It is located in the hypochondrium on the left.

The splenic vein emerges from the spleen and receives blood from the veins of the stomach and pancreas.

Functions of the spleen

Performs auxiliary functions of the spleen. During development inside the womb, it participates in the process of hematopoiesis. After the birth of the child, this function disappears. Among the main functions performed by the spleen are:

1. Production of antibacterial bodies that increase the body's defenses against infections.
2. Absorption of foreign substances and bacteria that have entered the bloodstream.
3. RBC dissolution.

Not everyone knows what the diameter of the splenic vein is. More on that below.

Spleen size

At different ages, the human spleen has different sizes:

1. Newborn - 4038 mm.
2. 1-3 years - 6850 mm.
3. 3-7years – 8060 mm.
4. 8-12 years - 9060 mm.
5. 12-15 years - 10060 mm.
6. From 18 years old - 12060 mm.

The splenic vein in a normal adult has a diameter of 5-8 mm, and the size of the artery is 1-2 mm. According to Kurlov, the normal size of the organ itself is 4-8 cm, usually it is not palpable.

In some cases, the splenic vein may become dilated. The main reason for this change is portal hypertension (an increase in the size of the portal vein as a result of high blood pressure due to liver disease).

Main pathologies of the spleen

Among the main pathologies of the spleen are the following:

1. Splenic vein thrombosis.
2. Enlargement of the spleen.
3. Calcinosis.

Thrombosis is infectious. In addition, it can develop as a result of intoxication of the body. Also, the causes of the development of pathology can be:

1. Scarlet fever.
2. Septic endocarditis.
3. Sepsis.
4. Malaria.
5. Syphilis.
6. Sclerosis of vessels.
7. Pancreatitis.
8. Chronic peritonitis.
9. Ulcer.
10. Perivisceritis.

Also, the spleen and splenic vein can be affected by calcification. Calcifications are areas where calcium accumulates. Their sizes can be varied. In some cases, their center softens. As a result of this phenomenon, a cyst may form.

It should be noted that the formation of multiplecalcification increases the likelihood of necrosis of some parts of the spleen.

Calcium inside the spleen can accumulate mainly due to inflammation, but other pathological factors are not excluded:

1. Recurrent inflammatory diseases.
2. Disorders of calcium-phosphate metabolism.
3. Yersiniosis.
4. Pseudotuberculosis.

Reasons for increase

In addition, for some reason, the organ itself can increase. Diffuse changes in the parenchyma and expansion of the splenic vein are possible as a result of:

1. Congenital pathological changes in the spleen. These diseases are diagnosed as soon as the baby is born.
2. Pathology of the liver. The spleen enlarges due to reduced blood flow from other organs.
3. Cyanotic induration of the spleen. There is a compaction of the organ, changes in the composition of the blood are noted.
4. Spleen cancer. An increase in the organ in 73% of cases is due to cancer.
5. Pregnancy. The main provocateur of changes in the size of the organ is low hemoglobin.
6. HIV. The spleen is enlarged due to anemia.
7. Cirrhosis. The root cause of the disease lies in chronic hepatitis.
8. Anemia. People under the age of 18 are at risk.

Symptomatic disorders

The following symptoms may indicate the development of pathology:

1. Colic in the stomach. Occur regardless of meals, irradiate into the ribs from the lefthand.
2. Change in skin color on the face. The person begins to turn pale. In some cases, the dermis becomes greenish or bluish.
3. Nausea. Often develops into vomiting. This symptom is often confused with signs of rotavirus infection.
4. Rise in temperature. Hyperthermia is noted with an increase in temperature up to 38 degrees.
5. Bleeding. Hematemesis is not ruled out.
6. Pain in the left hypochondrium. It appears within reasonable limits, as a rule, has a dull, pulling character.
7. Drowsy. Often associated with signs of poisoning and fatigue.
8. Headache. It is often a symptom of calcification. The pain may be sharp or dull.

Diagnosis of pathologies

The most informative diagnostic method is radionuclide scanning of the spleen, liver.

This technique allows you to identify pathologies in the early stages of their development, involves the introduction of a radioactive substance intravenously. Together with the bloodstream, it reaches the liver and spleen. The location of isotopes in the liver and spleen tissues may indicate the presence of cysts and abscesses.

Note that both organs are scanned at the same time.

Therapy

The tactics of the therapeutic effect completely depends on the established diagnosis. If the case is not complicated, then the patient may be prescribed medication. Serious diagnoses require hospitalization and surgery.

The prognosis of the disease will depend on the stage of the pathology, the severity of the clinical picture, the timeliness of diagnosis, the correctness of therapy.

If the patient does not complain of malaise, and there are no complications, then splenic calcifications are not treated. For small sizes, the use of traditional medicine is allowed.

Before starting therapy for an enlarged spleen, it is necessary to find out the reason for this change:

1. If the size is increased due to infection, the patient is shown the use of antibiotic drugs. At the same time, it is recommended to use general strengthening and immunity-enhancing drugs.
2. In the presence of parasitic infestation, the use of anthelmintic drugs is indicated.
3. Regardless of the reason for the increase in the size of the organ, the patient needs to minimize physical activity. In addition, general strengthening therapy is indicated.

If there is no concern about the patient's condition, treatment can be carried out at home. If the violations are serious, the person must be hospitalized.

Therapy for splenic vein thrombosis is as follows:

1. Stopping the development of probable complications.
2. Restore blood flow.
3. Prevention of subsequent blockage of blood vessels.

Therapy is always started with the use of heparin anticoagulants, which should be administered intravenously. After that, treatment is supplemented with indirect anticoagulants, gradually reducingdosage.

Most often, experts recommend the use of the following heparin anticoagulants: D alteparin, Reviparin, Enoxaparin, Nadroparin.

The effect of indirect anticoagulants is opposite to the effect of vitamin K. These drugs can reduce protein synthesis, stop clotting factors. The most popular medicines are: "Varfarex", "Marevan", "Warfarin", "Sinkumar".

It is important to remember that the independent use of these drugs can cause bleeding. The appointment must be made by a physician.

Removal of the spleen

In some cases, the patient may be assigned to remove the spleen. There are several reasons for surgery:

1. Injury. The spleen must be removed if it has ruptured.
2. Enlargement of the spleen. The risk group includes patients suffering from some forms of liver cirrhosis, malaria.
3. Werlhof's disease. The main indication for removal is bleeding of the spleen. Organ removal contributes to a significant improvement in the patient's condition.
4. Calcinosis. Removal is indicated if the calcifications are large.

With a successful outcome of the operation, regimen restrictions and special diets are not required.

We looked at the size of the splenic vein and possible pathologies.