Sonographic Evaluation of Splenic Length in Pregnant Versus Non-Pregnant Females: A Comparative Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Maternal adaptation during pregnancy involves extensive physiological and hemodynamic shifts, including plasma volume expansion and increased cardiac output. While these changes affect multiple organ systems, normative sonographic baselines for splenic dimensions during gestation remain limited in regional populations. Objective: To quantitatively measure and compare the maximum longitudinal splenic length using gray-scale ultrasonography in healthy pregnant females versus age-comparable non-pregnant control subjects. Materials & Methods: A comparative cross-sectional pilot study was conducted on 30 adult female subjects (N = 30), divided into two operational groups: Pregnant Group (n₁ = 15) and Non-Pregnant Control Group (n₂ = 15). Sonographic measurements of splenic length (cm) were obtained in the coronal oblique plane at the intercostal window. Demographic variables and splenic dimensions were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent two-sample t-tests (α = 0.05), Mann–Whitney U tests with continuity correction, and percentile distributions via linear interpolation. Results: Pregnant Group (n₁ = 15): Mean age was 22.73 ± 5.43 years. Mean splenic length was 9.47 ± 0.85 cm (Range: 7.83–10.92 cm). Non-Pregnant Group (n₂ = 15): Mean age was 23.93 ± 4.42 years (t = −0.664, p = 0.512). Mean splenic length was 8.97 ± 0.92 cm (Range: 7.56–10.76 cm). Comparative Findings: Mean splenic length was 0.50 cm (≈5.6%) greater in pregnant females compared to non-pregnant controls. Independent t-test yielded t = 1.546 (p = 0.133, df = 28). Non-parametric evaluation (R₁ = 268.0, R₂ = 197.0, U = 77.0) with continuity correction yielded Z = +1.452 (p = 0.147). Combined cohort median length was 9.23 cm. Although this difference was statistically non-significant (α = 0.05), it demonstrates a subtle upward trend in splenic dimensions during gestation. Conclusion: In this pilot cohort, pregnancy was accompanied by a non-significant trend toward greater splenic length. All measured dimensions in pregnant subjects remained well below standard clinical thresholds for splenomegaly (≈ 12.0 cm). Establishing localized pilot observations aids in preventing diagnostic over-interpretation during routine antenatal abdominal sonography.