Focal splenic disease demonstrated by ultrasound and computed tomography

Twenty-five patients with focal splenic disease were analyzed retrospectively to determine the relative strengths and weaknesses of ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) in the detection and analysis of focal splenic lesions. Lesions were detected in all 25 patients by ultrasonography and in 22 of 25 patients by CT. Ultrasonography appears to be more sensitive in the detection of focal lymphoma within the spleen and may be slightly more sensitive in the detection of microabscesses. CT may offer more specific information regarding the nature of certain lesions, including the detection of cyst wall calcification, gas within an abscess, and the specific site of origin of tumor invading the spleen. Ultrasonography may at times be more specific in the diagnosis of cystic lesions. We recommend ultrasonography as the first method for splenic imaging with CT used when necessary for further characterization of focal lesions.