Ultrasound and Doppler features of accessory spleens and splenic grafts

16 splenic grafts and 24 accessory spleens were evaluated with ultrasound, colour Doppler and power Doppler imaging, in order to compare the features of splenic grafts and accessory spleens. 12 splenic grafts (11 surgically implanted, 1 islet of splenosis) were detected in eight patients following splenectomy 6-12 months previously. Four of the surgically implanted splenic grafts were found in three patients following splenectomy 16-18 days previously. 21 accessory spleens were incidentally detected in 20 subjects who had not been operated upon, whereas three enlarged accessory spleens were found in 10 patients who underwent splenectomy 6-12 months previously. The size, shape, rim features, echogenicity, acoustic enhancement and vascularization of the splenic grafts and accessory spleens were evaluated. The splenic grafts were oval with lobulated margins, an inhomogeneous pattern in 36% and acoustic enhancement in 64%. Multiple feeding vessels arising from the surrounding tissue entered the periphery of 10 splenic grafts in the eight patients operated on 6-12 months previously, whereas no vascular signals were detected in the four splenic grafts of the three patients operated on 16-18 days ago. Accessory spleens were round with smooth echogenic margins and a vascular hilum arising from the splenic vessels. In conclusion colour Doppler and power Doppler allow differentiation between accessory spleens and splenic grafts basing on their shape and vascular supply.