Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026

A Mouse Model of Vascularized Heterotopic Spleen Transplantation for Studying Spleen Cell Biology and Transplant Immunity
Published on: June 11, 2019
Locally vascularized pelvic accessory spleen.
F Iorio1, V Frantellizzi2, Francesco M Drudi2
1Dipartimento di Radiologia, ASL Roma B "Ospedale S. Pertini", Via dei Monti Tiburtini 385, 00157 Rome, Italy.
This case report details a rare instance of polysplenism, specifically an ectopic spleen found in the pelvis of a 67-year-old female. This finding highlights the varied presentations of congenital splenic anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Congenital Anomalies
Background:
- Polysplenism and accessory spleens are uncommon congenital conditions.
- These anomalies are typically asymptomatic and discovered incidentally.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old female presented with a pelvic mass detected via transvaginal ultrasound.
- Further imaging with MRI, contrast-CT, and scintigraphy confirmed the mass as an ectopic spleen.
Findings:
- The ectopic spleen in the pelvis demonstrated typical splenic parenchymal characteristics on imaging.
- Vascular supply originated from the aorta, with venous drainage into the superior mesenteric vein.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of ectopic spleen locations.
- Highlights the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing rare congenital anomalies.
Related Concept Videos
Secondary Lymphoid Organs
The spleen is a vital organ in the lymphatic system, nestled in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is composed of two primary regions: the red pulp and the white pulp, each having distinct functions. The red pulp performs a significant role in blood filtration. It efficiently purges the blood of old or damaged red blood cells and...
Veins of the Abdomen and Pelvis
The inferior vena cava is fed by numerous smaller veins. The lumbar veins, for instance, drain the posterior abdominal wall, emptying both directly into the inferior vena cava and into the...
Development of the Lymphatic System
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
Veins of Thorax
The azygos vein, positioned just right of the midline and anterior to the vertebral column, begins at the junction of the right ascending lumbar and subcostal veins, terminating in the superior vena cava. This vein drains blood from the right side of the thoracic wall, thoracic viscera, and posterior abdominal wall.
The...
Abdominal Regions and Quadrants
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four...
Abdominal Aorta
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...

