Abdominal and pelvic splenosis: atypical findings, pitfalls, and mimics

Abdom Radiol (NY). 2022 Mar;47(3):923-947. doi: 10.1007/s00261-021-03402-3. Epub 2022 Jan 25.

Abstract

Splenosis is an acquired form of ectopic splenic tissue that typically arises after trauma or splenectomy. It is often an incidental image finding in an otherwise asymptomatic patient, but the spectrum of symptoms varies based on the site of implantation. Radiologists should be familiar with the imaging features of splenosis to avoid mistaking it for malignancy. Splenosis has identical imaging features to that of the native spleen on US, CT, MRI, and nuclear medicine examinations. Therefore, when the radiologic findings support the diagnosis of splenosis, the patient can be spared invasive procedures for tissue sampling.

Keywords: Abdominal and pelvic; Ectopic splenic tissue; Imaging features; Scintigraphic scans; Splenectomy; Splenosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen / pathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Splenectomy
  • Splenosis* / diagnostic imaging