Sonographic evaluation of accessory spleen

Abstract

SUMMARY Objective: Accessory spleens (AS) usually appear on routine abdominal ultrasonography (US) and frequently not investigated. The aim of this study is to research the prevalence, imaging features and related conditions of AS. Materials and Methods: This study is based on 190 patients that applied to US department with various clinical symptoms in 18 months period. Patient ages, gender; although AS counts, location, shape, dimension and probable accompanied splenomegaly researched on B-mode US. Results: Majority of AS had a dimension between 10-15 mm. Usually they are round shaped and localized at splenic hilus. They mostly visualized in female with the mean age 32.9 (SD: 19.2). There was no statistically difference between splenomegaly and dimension of AS. Positive significant correlation was found between not only age and dimension (p<0.05, r=0.305), but also gender and splenomegaly (p<0.05), dimension and shape (p<0.05). Conclusion: Sonographic features of AS are investigated. This report reveals sonographic findings of AS, that may be used on differential diagnosis of splenic pathologies.