Variations of Spleen Morphology: A Study of Adult Human Cadaveric Spleens in a Medical Institute in North East India

Abstract

Background: The shape, size and weight of the spleen in human vary with age, sex, and under different conditions in the same individual. The idea of morphological variations is important to avoid misinterpretation of the splenic variants. 
 Objective: The objective is to assess and document variations of spleen morphology in human cadavers in a Medical Institute in North-East India.
 Methods: A cross sectional study of a total of 34 adult human cadaveric spleens was done in the Anatomy Department, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, India. The study observed the morphological features such as shape, number of notches, anomalous fissures, and morphometric measurements such as length, breadth, thickness and weight of all the spleen specimens.
 Results: The wedge shaped spleen constituted 41.18% followed by triangular (23.53%), irregular (17.64%), oval (11.76%) and round (5.89%) shaped spleens. The maximum number of notches was present in the anterosuperior border and the number varied from 0-4 notches. There was no notch in 2.94% of the specimens. Mean values of splenic length, breadth and thickness were 9.91 cm, 6.14 cm and 3.35 cm respectively. The mean weight of the spleens was 149.09 g. Anomalous fissures were found on the diaphragmatic (2.94%) and visceral (2.94%) surfaces of the spleens.
 Conclusion: The study highlights morphological variations of spleens and splenic variations should be kept in mind by the radiologists and surgeons to avoid misinterpretation of splenic variants and unnecessary invasive procedures.
 Keywords: Spleen, Cadaver, Splenic variations