Retrospective radiologic analysis of accessory spleen by computed tomography

Abstract

The aim of this study was to define the incidence and classify locations of accessory spleen using CT in a large Turkish population and to compare our findings with earlier studies performed in other populations.Methods: A total of 930 patients were included in the study and evaluated retrospectively using CT. The CT images were obtained using Philips Ingenuity 128 slice computerized tomography device.Results: 930 patients (413 females, 44.4%; 517 males, 55.6%) who underwent CT imaging for various indications were included in this study. Out of these, 55 had an accessory spleen (5.9%), and four had polysplenia. Most common location of accessory spleen was hilum (49.9%) followed by the gastrosplenic ligament (21.81%), infrasplenic area (18.18%), pancreatic tail (3.64%), splenorenal ligament (3.64%) and suprasplenic area (3.64%). Conclusion:Accessory spleen is a common variation encountered in the abdominal cavity. Most and least common locations of this variation should be well known to prevent radiologic misdiagnosis and surgical complications.

Accessory Spleen: A Rare and Incidental Finding in the Stomach Wall

“…However, they can also be located within the greater omentum and gastrointestinal tract [ 2 ]. They are usually benign and discovered as incidental findings through endoscopy, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [ 3 , 6 ].…”

“…Accessory spleens can arise from a congenital etiology or via splenosis [ 2 , 3 ]. The congenital etiology occurs during the fifth week of fetal development from a failed fusion of the splenic anlage [ 7 ].…”

“…Splenosis is the process of autologous transplantation of the spleen after splenectomy [ 2 ]. It can present as numerous nodules and have compensatory hypertrophy reaching up to 5 cm [ 3 , 4 ]. Unlike splenosis nodules, accessory spleens via congenital etiology have a capsule containing smooth muscle and elastic elements [ 3 ].…”

“…It can present as numerous nodules and have compensatory hypertrophy reaching up to 5 cm [ 3 , 4 ]. Unlike splenosis nodules, accessory spleens via congenital etiology have a capsule containing smooth muscle and elastic elements [ 3 ]. Splenosis nodules lack a hilus with blood vessels, and blood is supplied by accessory arteries that penetrate the nodule [ 3 ].…”

“…Unlike splenosis nodules, accessory spleens via congenital etiology have a capsule containing smooth muscle and elastic elements [ 3 ]. Splenosis nodules lack a hilus with blood vessels, and blood is supplied by accessory arteries that penetrate the nodule [ 3 ]. This case describes a unique presentation of an accessory spleen presenting as a submucosal gastric lesion.…”