Gamna-Gandy bodies of the spleen: evaluation with MR imaging

The authors retrospectively evaluated magnetic resonance (MR) images obtained in 64 patients with portal hypertension. Multiple low-intensity nodules were noted within the spleen in eight patients. In all eight cases, these nodules were most apparent on images obtained with the GRASS (gradient-recalled acquisition in the steady state) technique, which is known to be more sensitive to heterogeneity of the magnetic susceptibility, usually caused by hemosiderin deposition. In one of these cases, ultrasonography demonstrated diffuse hyperechoic spots that had been reported to represent Gamna-Gandy bodies of the spleen (ie, organized hemorrhage caused by portal hypertension). Although there was no pathologic proof in their series, the authors believe these low-intensity nodules seen on MR images may represent the hemosiderin deposits of Gamna-Gandy bodies.