[Post-traumatic asplenia and splenosis]

After splenectomy for traumatic spleen rupture posttraumatic asplenia occurs. In such a state different pathophysiological changes occur in the peripheral blood and in the immunologic response as well as local changes in the form of splenosis, that is, changes due to trauma-induced autotransplantate of the spleen tissue particle. The study discusses as yet obscure pathogenesis, consequences and significance of these changes, including an increased incidence of sepsis (postsplenectomy sepsis, the so-called OPSI syndrome). In a series of eight patients with posttraumatic asplenia, in seven cases splenosis was detected by means of scintigraphy with labeled erythrocytes. Although splenosis is rarely found in general population, and is usually asymptomatic, diagnostic procedures show that it can mimic other pathological processes causing differential diagnostic difficulties. Because of this the authors are of the opinion that the detection of splenosis necessitates a scintigraphic examination of splenectomized patients; if it is confirmed is should be recorded in medical documentation.