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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
A Mouse Model of Vascularized Heterotopic Spleen Transplantation for Studying Spleen Cell Biology and Transplant Immunity
Published on: June 11, 2019
[CT anatomy of the normal spleen: variants and pitfalls]
S Merran1, P Karila-Cohen, V Servois
1Service d'Imagerie Médicale, Fédération Mutualiste Parisienne, 24 rue Saint Victor, 75005 Paris, France. samuel.merran@wanadoo.fr
Insights
The spleen’s typical location and varied anatomical variations, including ectopic spleen and accessory spleens, can complicate the detection of intrasplenic masses. Understanding these variations is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Radiology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- The spleen, normally situated in the left hypochondrium, possesses a heterogeneous tissue composition (red and white pulp).
- This heterogeneity, particularly evident during arterial phase contrast-enhanced imaging, can obscure intrasplenic masses.
- Anatomical variations like fissures, ectopic spleen, accessory spleen, polysplenia, and splenosis present diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the anatomical variations of the spleen.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges posed by splenic anomalies in imaging.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of splenic morphology and its variations.
Main Methods:
- Review of anatomical literature and radiological findings.
- Discussion of splenic tissue composition and its impact on imaging.
- Analysis of congenital and acquired splenic variations.
Main Results:
- The spleen's normal anatomy and ligamentous attachments are described.
- Factors contributing to difficulty in detecting intrasplenic masses are identified.
- Various splenic anomalies including fissures, ectopic spleen, accessory spleen, polysplenia, and splenosis are detailed.
Conclusions:
- Splenic anatomical variations and anomalies can mimic or obscure intrasplenic masses.
- Recognition of these variations is essential for accurate radiological interpretation and diagnosis.
- Understanding splenic development and potential anomalies aids in differentiating normal from pathological findings.
Abstract:
Normally, the spleen is located in the left hypochondrium. It is attached by the gastrosplenic and splenorenal ligaments. Its tissue composition made up of red pulp and white pulp explains the heterogenous aspect when contrast medium is injected in the arterial phase. This can make it difficult to detect intrasplenic masses. The adult spleen has no lobulations or incisures; however, the persistence of fissures separating the fetal spleen's lobules can indicate splenic lacerations in a trauma context. The ectopic spleen is a migration of the spleen from its normal anatomic location because its ligaments have not developed properly. The spleen can migrate anywhere in the abdomen or pelvis. The accessory spleen can be found in 10% of the population; it is usually located near the hilum of the main spleen or the pacreatic tail. It can be located in many other places and be confused with a mass. Polysplenia is a complex congenital syndrome associating visceral heterotaxis and concomitant bilateral left-sidedness. The spleen is divided into several splenules of the same size. Splenosis is defined by the implantation of splenic tissues in the peritoneum following traumatic rupture of the spleen.
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