Postprandial decrease in splenic volume demonstrated by magnetic resonanceimaging and stereology

The aim of this study was to determine if the volume of the spleen changes after food intake. We applied an unbiased and efficient method for splenic volume estimation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in combination wit h modern design stereology. MR images of the spleen were obtained for 10 he althy volunteers (five men and five women; mean age 28.9 years [range 23-35 years]) without a history of splenomegaly. The initial scans were performe d in the morning after overnight fasting. Each volunteer then consumed a st andard balanced meal weighing 500 g [2,360 kJ (627 kcal) energy] with 500 m i of still mineral water. Second identical MR scans were performed approxim ately 1 hr later. Postprandially, splenic volume decreased by an average of 6.6% (P = 0.005), probably due to increased splanchnic blood flow after fo od intake. Clin. Anat. 13:404-409, 2000. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss. Inc.