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CT features of the accessory spleen
Koenraad J Mortelé1, Bart Mortelé, Stuart G Silverman
1Division of Abdominal Imaging and Intervention, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St., Boston, MA 02115, USA. kmortele@partners.org
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|November 18, 2004
Summary
Accessory spleens are common, found in 16% of patients on CT scans. These well-defined, small masses typically enhance homogeneously, aiding differentiation from other abdominal pathologies.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Abdominal Imaging
- Anatomical Variations
Background:
- Accessory spleens are congenital anomalies.
- Understanding their imaging characteristics is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of accessory spleens.
- To describe the computed tomography (CT) features of accessory spleens.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scans.
- Evaluation of accessory spleen prevalence and imaging characteristics.
Main Results:
- Accessory spleens were identified in 16% of patients.
- Typical CT features include well-marginated, round masses <2 cm with homogeneous enhancement.
- Common locations are posteromedial to the spleen and near the left kidney or pancreas tail.
Conclusions:
- Accessory spleens have characteristic CT findings.
- Familiarity with these features helps distinguish them from other upper abdominal pathologies.
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