Outline 4 features of splenomegaly on abdominal examination?

1. Enlarged spleen: The most obvious feature of splenomeeagly is an enlarged spleen, which can be felt as a firm, smooth mass in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. The spleen may extend below the costal margin and may be tender to palpation.

2. Splenic percussion: Percussion of the spleen may produce a dull sound, indicating enlargement of the organ.

3. Splenic friction rub: In some cases, a splenic friction rub may be heard on auscultation, which is a scratching or rubbing sound caused by the inflamed and enlarged spleen rubbing against the surrounding structures.

4. Splenic notch: In severe cases of splenomegaly, a palpable splenic notch may be felt at the lower pole of the enlarged spleen, which is a characteristic feature of massive splenomegaly.

4 Features of Splenomegaly on Abdominal Examination

1. Palpable Edge:
- Splenomegaly can be detected when the spleen's palpable edge extends beyond the left costal margin.

2. Increased Percussion Dullness:
- Percussion over the left upper quadrant reveals increased dullness compared to the resonant note normally heard over the stomach.

3. Curved Descending Edge:
- The lateral border of the spleen is typically curved and descends as it goes anteriorly.

4. Negative Percussion Shift:
- With the patient supine, percussion in the right upper quadrant (liver) moves the splenic dullness to the left. When the patient turns to the right, the splenic dullness does not return to its original position (indicates hepatosplenomegaly).