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.
Spleen functions
Performs spleen auxiliary functions. During development inside the womb, it is involved in the process of hematopoiesis. After giving birth, this function disappears. Among the main functions performed by the spleen are the following:
- The development of antibacterial bodies that increase the body's defenses against infections.
- Absorption of foreign substances and bacteria that enter the bloodstream.
- Dissolution of red blood cells.
Not everyone knows what the diameter of the splenic vein is. About it below.
Spleen Dimensions
At different ages, the spleen in a person has different sizes:
- Newborn - 40 * 38 mm.
- 1-3 years - 68 * 50 mm.
- 3-7 years - 80 * 60 mm.
- 8-12 years old - 90 * 60 mm.
- 12-15 years - 100 * 60 mm.
- From 18 years old - 120 * 60 mm.
The splenic vein normally in an 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 can expand. The main reason for this change is portal hypertension (an increase in the size of the portal vein as a result of increased blood pressure due to liver disease).
The main pathology of the spleen
Among the main pathologies of the spleen, the following are distinguished:
- Thrombosis of the splenic vein.
- Enlarged spleen.
- Calcification.
Thrombosis is contagious. In addition, it can develop as a result of intoxication of the body. Also, the causes of the development of pathology can be:
- Scarlet fever.
- Septic endocarditis.
- Sepsis.
- Malaria.
- Syphilis.
- Vascular sclerosis.
- Pancreatitis
- Chronic peritonitis.
- Ulcer.
- Perivisceritis.
Also, the spleen and splenic vein can be affected by calcification. Calcifications are areas where calcium accumulates. Their sizes can be various. In some cases, their center softens. As a result of this phenomenon, a cyst can form.
It should be noted that the formation of multiple calcifications 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:
- Recurrent inflammatory ailments.
- Disorders of calcium phosphate metabolism.
- Yersiniosis.
- Pseudotuberculosis.
Reasons for the increase
In addition, for some reason, the organ itself may increase. Diffuse changes in the parenchyma and expansion of the splenic vein are possible as a result of:
- Congenital pathological changes in the spleen. Such diseases are diagnosed as soon as the baby is born.
- Pathology of the liver. The spleen increases due to a decrease in blood flow from other organs.
- Induction of the spleen of a cyanotic nature. Organ compaction occurs, changes in blood composition are noted.
- Spleen cancer. Organ enlargement in 73% of cases is due to cancer.
- Pregnancy. The main provocateur of changes in organ size is reduced hemoglobin.
- HIV The spleen increases with anemia.
- Cirrhosis. The root cause of the disease lies in chronic hepatitis.
- Anemia. At risk are people under the age of 18.
Symptoms of disorders
The following symptoms can indicate the development of pathology:
- Colic in the stomach. They arise regardless of meals, irradiate into the ribs on the left side.
- Change in skin color on the face. A person begins to turn pale sharply. In some cases, the dermis acquires a greenish or bluish tint.
- Nausea. Often develops into vomiting. This symptom is often confused with signs of rotavirus infection.
- Temperature rise. Hyperthermia is noted with an increase in temperature up to 38 degrees.
- Bleeding. The occurrence of bloody vomiting is not ruled out.
- Soreness in the left hypochondrium. It manifests itself within reasonable limits, as a rule, has a dull, pulling character.
- Drowsiness. Often combined with signs of poisoning and fatigue.
- Headache. Often a symptom of calcification. The pain can be sharp or dull.
Diagnosis of pathologies
The most informative diagnostic method is a radionuclide scan of the spleen and 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.
It should be noted that both organs are scanned simultaneously.
Therapy
The tactics of therapeutic effect depends entirely on the established diagnosis. If the case is not complicated, then the patient may be prescribed medication. With serious diagnoses, hospitalization and surgery are required.
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 therapy for splenic calcifications is not carried out. With small sizes, the use of traditional medicine is allowed.
Before starting therapy for enlarged spleen, it is necessary to find out the reason for this change:
- If the size is increased due to an infectious lesion, the patient is shown the use of antibiotic medications. At the same time, it is recommended to use general strengthening and immunity enhancing drugs.
- In the presence of parasitic infestation, the use of anthelmintic drugs is indicated.
- Regardless of the cause of the increase in organ size, the patient needs to minimize physical activity. In addition, general strengthening therapy is indicated.
In the absence of concerns about the patient's condition, treatment can be carried out at home. If the violations are serious, the person must be hospitalized.
Therapy of splenic vein thrombosis is as follows:
- Stopping the development of probable complications.
- Restore blood flow.
- Prevention of subsequent blockage of blood vessels.
Therapy always begins with the use of heparin anticoagulants, which should be administered intravenously. After this, the treatment is supplemented with anticoagulants of indirect exposure, gradually reducing the dosage.
Most often, experts recommend the use of the following heparin anticoagulants: Dalteparin, Reviparin, Enoxaparin, Nadroparin.
The effect of indirect anticoagulants is opposite to that of vitamin K. These drugs can reduce protein synthesis, stop coagulation factors. The most popular medicines are: “Warfarex”, “Marevan”, “Warfarin”, “Sincumar”.
It is important to remember that the independent use of these drugs can cause bleeding. The appointment should be carried out by a doctor.
Splenectomy
In some cases, the patient may be prescribed removal of the spleen. There are several reasons for performing the surgery:
- Injury. The spleen is to be removed if it ruptured.
- Enlarged spleen. At risk are patients suffering from some forms of cirrhosis, malaria.
- Werlhof's disease. The main indication for removal is bleeding of the spleen. Removal of the organ contributes to a significant improvement in the patient.
- Calcification. Removal is indicated if calcifications are large.
If the operation succeeds, regime restrictions and special diets are not required.
We examined the size of the splenic vein and possible pathologies.