Spontaneous splenic infarction in polysplenia syndrome

Area of Science:

• Medical imaging
• Radiology
• Abdominal imaging

Background:

• Polysplenia is a congenital anomaly characterized by multiple spleens.
• It is often associated with other visceral anomalies, including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal abnormalities.
• Diagnosis typically relies on imaging techniques.

Observation:

• A rare case of polysplenia involving four spleens is described.
• One of the spleens exhibited spontaneous infarction, indicated by a low-attenuation area on CT.
• Associated anomalies included prominent azygos and hemiazygos veins due to absent infrarenal inferior vena cava.

Findings:

• Computed tomography (CT) accurately diagnosed polysplenia and splenic infarction.
• CT visualized multiple aberrant right-sided spleens.
• CT identified characteristic venous anomalies associated with inferior vena cava abnormalities.

Implications:

• This case underscores the utility of CT in diagnosing complex congenital anomalies like polysplenia.
• It highlights the potential for splenic complications, such as infarction, in polysplenia.
• Understanding these associated anomalies is crucial for comprehensive patient management.