[Vascular segmentation of the spleen in the newborn infant. Anatomical support for partial resection]

Splenic artery moulds were studied from 66 full-term neonates, and the mode of termination in the hilum region and the intraparenchymatous distribution of the splenic artery analyzed. Segmental division of the neonate spleen was found to be similar to that in adults, with 2 (68,2%), 3 (10,6%) or 4 segments (4,5%). However, intersegmental anastomoses were observed in 16,7% of the specimens studied. Vascular morphology indicates that partial resection of the spleen in infants is possible.