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Updated: May 1, 2026
Intravital Microscopy of the Spleen: Quantitative Analysis of Parasite Mobility and Blood Flow
Published on: January 14, 2012
The spleen revisited: an overview on magnetic resonance imaging
João Palas1, António P Matos1, Miguel Ramalho1
1Radiology Department, Hospital Garcia de Orta, 2801-951 Almada, Portugal.
Abstract:
Despite being well visualized by different cross-sectional imaging techniques, the spleen is many times overlooked during the abdominal examination. The major reason is the low frequency of splenic abnormalities, the majority consisting of incidental findings. There has been a steady increase in the number of performed abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies; therefore, it is important to be familiar to the major MRI characteristics of disease processes involving the spleen, in order to interpret the findings correctly, reaching whenever possible the appropriate diagnosis. The spleen may be involved in several pathologic conditions like congenital diseases, trauma, inflammation, vascular disorders and hematologic disorders, benign and malignant tumors, and other disease processes that focally or diffusely affect the spleen. This paper presents a description and representative MRI images for many of these disorders.
Insights
This study highlights the importance of recognizing splenic abnormalities on abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Familiarity with MRI characteristics aids in diagnosing diverse spleen conditions, from congenital issues to tumors.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
Background:
- The spleen is often overlooked in abdominal examinations despite visualization on cross-sectional imaging.
- Splenic abnormalities are infrequent, often presenting as incidental findings.
- Abdominal MRI utilization is increasing, necessitating expertise in splenic imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To familiarize clinicians with the major magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of splenic diseases.
- To improve the accuracy of diagnosis for various splenic pathologies.
- To provide representative MRI images for common and rare splenic disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of cross-sectional imaging techniques, focusing on MRI.
- Description of MRI findings for a spectrum of splenic conditions.
- Inclusion of representative MRI images for illustrative purposes.
Main Results:
- The spleen can be affected by congenital diseases, trauma, inflammation, vascular disorders, hematologic conditions, and tumors.
- MRI demonstrates distinct characteristics for each splenic pathology.
- This paper details these MRI characteristics with visual examples.
Conclusions:
- Accurate interpretation of splenic MRI findings is crucial for diagnosis.
- Understanding diverse splenic pathologies on MRI aids in clinical decision-making.
- This resource aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities for splenic disorders via MRI.
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