Spleen Injury in Sports

In brief Following injury, stabilized patients who might have suffered significant trauma to the spleen require ongoing clinical assessment coupled with radiographic imaging. CT is the initial method of choice, although radionuclide scintigraphy may be indicated for pregnant patients and for those who have an iodine allergy. The roles of ultrasound, angiography, and abdominal plain film radiography are limited. Abnormalities demonstrated on contrast-enhanced CT studies include spleen laceration, subcapsular hematoma, and hemoperitoneum. Radionuclide scintigraphy will help diagnose splenosis.