Spleen in haematological malignancies: spectrum of imaging findings

Br J Radiol. 2012 Jan;85(1009):81-92. doi: 10.1259/bjr/31542964. Epub 2011 Nov 17.

Abstract

Imaging morphology and metabolic activity of splenic lesions is of paramount importance in patients with haematological malignancies; it can alter tumour staging, treatment protocols and overall prognosis. CT, MRI and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT have been shown to be powerful tools for the non-invasive assessment of splenic involvement in various haematological malignancies. Since many haematological malignancies and non-neoplastic conditions can involve the spleen and imaging manifestations can overlap, imaging and clinical findings outside of the spleen should be looked for to narrow the differential diagnosis; confirmation can be obtained by pathological findings. Radiologists should be familiar with the cross-sectional imaging patterns of haematological malignancies involving the spleen as well as non-neoplastic splenic findings common in these patients to facilitate their care and follow-up. This pictorial review provides the common and uncommon imaging appearances and complications of various haematological malignancies involving the spleen on CT, MRI and PET/CT, and common pitfalls in diagnosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma / diagnosis*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multimodal Imaging*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography*
  • Splenic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*