Focal echogenic lesions in the spleen in sickle cell disease

Focal echogenic lesions in the spleen were observed in 11 patients aged 9-17 years with sickle cell disease. All lesions were spherical and could be single or multiple. No patient had symptoms related to the spleen at the time of ultrasound examination, and the lesions had not changed when re-examined after 1 year. Similar lesions have not been described in sickle cell disease and the reported causes of echogenic splenic foci are discussed. It is suggested that, when seen in sickle cell disease, these foci are likely to have a benign cause, and that further investigation, especially for malignant disease, is not necessary.