Accuracy of physical examination versus ultrasound in the detection of hepatosplenomegaly at diagnosis of pediatric leukemia

Janelle Cyr, Donna L Johnston

Abstract


Background: Hepatosplenomegaly (HSM) is common at diagnosis of pediatric leukemia and is diagnosed through palpation or ultrasound. We sought to determine if ultrasound was necessary.

Methods: Spleen and liver size was recorded from palpation and ultrasound for 94 children with a new diagnosis of leukemia.

Results: Palpation was correct in detecting 71% (173/245) of cases of splenomegaly and 68% (172/254) of cases of hepatomegaly. There was no relationship between body mass index and clinician accuracy at diagnosis of HSM. Ultrasound examination had abnormal findings excluding HSM in 56% of patients.

Conclusions: Ultrasound examination is a warranted investigation for newly diagnosed children with leukemia.


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5430/jhm.v3n1p24

Journal of Hematological Malignancies
ISSN 1925-4024 (Print)   ISSN 1925-4032 (Online)
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