Cystic masses of the spleen: radiologic-pathologic correlation

Many focal splenic lesions may appear to be cystic at cross-sectional imaging. In this article, the following types of cystic splenic masses are discussed: congenital (true cyst), inflammatory (abscesses, hydatid cyst), vascular (infarction, peliosis), posttraumatic (hematoma, false cyst), and neoplastic (hemangioma, lymphangioma, lymphoma, metastasis). The key findings at ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging can be correlated with underlying gross and microscopic pathologic findings. Although tissue sampling is still required in many cases to yield a definitive diagnosis, recognition and understanding of the spectrum of imaging and pathologic features of these lesions often help narrow the differential diagnosis.