Rationale and objectives: The authors evaluated the influence of food intake on liver and spleen size. The rationale was that since a meal induces a marked increase in splanchnic blood flow, organ volume might also be affected. This could influence conclusions made at clinical examination.
Methods: Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was performed in 20 healthy volunteers after administration of technetium-99m albumin colloid before and after ingestion of a standardized meal. A semiautomatic technique was used to determine liver and spleen size.
Results: There was a nonsignificant reduction in liver volume of 1.5% (P = .063) and a significant reduction in spleen volume of 3.2% (P = .00033) after food intake.
Conclusion: Liver and spleen volume are marginally affected by food intake, and the changes are within the methodologic error of radiologic modalities.