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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Noninvasive In Vivo Small Animal MRI and MRS: Basic Experimental Procedures
Published on: October 20, 2009
[MRI of the spleen]
L Lincender1, E Sadagić, S Vegar
1Institut za radiologiju Klinicki centar Univerziteta Sarajevo.
Purpose:
The aim of this study is to show the possibilities of MRI in diagnostic of the spleen affections.
Material And Methods:
During a two years period, MRI of the splen alone was performed in 13 patients, while MRI of the liver was performed in 213 patients. With the liver, we examined the spleen as well. Using 1.0T Unit (Siemens Magnetom Impact) we performed next sequences: T1W SE, T2W TSE FS, PD T2W, with and without breath hold. Rutinly we used body coil. We divided all patients in two groups: 1st group--13 patients undergoing spleen examination, and 2nd group--213 patients with liver and spleen examination with retrospective analysis.
Results:
In the first group--10 patients, MRI of the spleen provided us with some new information compared with CT and US. In three patient there were no new diagnostic information. In second group, accidently showed cystic postraumatic lesions, there was trombotic aneurysm of the lienal artery. Also in the patients with liver disease spelnomegaly was found in 25.
Discussion:
According to the literature and our initial experience, MRI of the spleen is not yet in wide clinical practice because of the little difference of the relaxation time of the spleen and proton density. Introducing of the paramagnetic contrast media will provide increasing of abilities in the detection of the tumor lesion. Further development advances towards diagnostic of the lymphatic infiltration, staging of metastatic carcinoma, and differential diagnostic of splenomegaly.
Conclusion:
According to our experience and literature, MRI of the spleen is not yet in wide clinical practice, for now.
Insights
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers diagnostic possibilities for spleen affections. While not yet widespread, MRI shows potential for detecting lesions and aiding in spleen-related diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Context:
- Spleen affections require accurate diagnostic methods.
- Computed Tomography (CT) and Ultrasound (US) are current modalities.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers advanced visualization.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of MRI for spleen conditions.
- To assess MRI's effectiveness compared to CT and US.
- To explore MRI's potential in diagnosing various splenic pathologies.
Summary:
- MRI examinations of the spleen were performed in 13 patients, and concurrently with liver scans in 213 patients.
- MRI provided new diagnostic information in 10 out of 13 spleen-only examinations.
- Incidental findings included cystic post-traumatic lesions, splenic artery aneurysm, and splenomegaly in liver disease patients.
Impact:
- MRI can reveal splenic lesions missed by CT and US.
- Contrast-enhanced MRI may improve tumor detection.
- Future applications include lymphatic infiltration diagnosis and metastatic carcinoma staging.
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