Spleen - Part 1 Flashcards
Hamartoma
A rare benign neoplasm composed of lymphoid tissue
What is hamartoma also known as?
Splenoma
Leukocytosis
WBC count above 20,000 mm3
Leukopenia
WBC count below 4000 mm3
What are the functions of the spleen? (4)
- Removes foreign material from the blood
- Initiates an immune reaction, resulting in production of antibodies and
lymphocytes - Major destruction site of old RBCs
- RBCs are removed and Hb is recycled - Reservoir for blood
Where does the splenic artery arise from?
The celiac axis
What does the splenic vein join with to form the main portal vein?
SMV
In cases of portal hypertension, where can the splenic vein shunt blood into?
The left renal vein
Is the spleen an intra or retroperitoneal organ ?
Intraperitoneal
Where is the spleen located compared to the diaphragm, left kidney, stomach and the pancreas?
- Diaphragm = inferior
- Left kidney = anterior
- Stomach = posterior and lateral
- Lateral
Accessory spleen
Improper splenic fusion
What is a clinical finding for an accessory spleen?
Asymptomatic
What is the US appearance for an accessory spleen? (4)
- Homogeneous mass typically located medial to the splenic hilum
- Echogenicity similar to spleen
- Round or oval in shape
- Variable size
What are 3 differential diagnosis for an accessory spleen?
- Lymphadenopathy
- Pancreatic mass
- Adrenal mass
Aplasia
Failure of the spleen to develop
What is a clinical finding for aplasia?
Asymptomatic
What is the US appearance for aplasia?
Absence of the spleen
What are 2 differential diagnosis for aplasia?
- Splenectomy
2. Wandering spleen
Polysplenia
Multiple small spleens
What are the clinical findings for polysplenia? (2)
- Asymptomatic
2. Varies with associated congenital anomalies
What is the US appearance for polysplenia? (3)
- Multiple small spleens
- Located along the greater curvature of the stomach
- Associated with gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and biliary anomalies
What are 2 differential diagnosis for polysplenia?
- Lymphadenopathy
2. Retroperitoneal masses
Wandering spleen
Improper fusion of the dorsal mesentery with the posterior peritoneum
What is a clinical finding for a wandering spleen?
Asymptomatic
What is the US appearance for a wandering spleen?
Abnormal location of the spleen
What are 2 differential diagnosis for a wandering spleen?
- Asplenia
2. Splenic rupture
What is the normal US appearance of the spleen? (2)
- Moderately echogenic homogeneous parenchyma
2. Isoechoic to slightly hypo echoic compared to the normal liver parenchyma
What are the measurements for the spleen? (L, W, H)
Length = 10-12cm Width = 7cm Thickness = 3-4cm
What are the causes of splenomegaly? (10)
- Congestive heart failure
- Cirrhosis
- Portal hypertension 4. Portal vein thrombosis
- Infection
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension
- Hepatitis
- Trauma
- Hemolytic anemia
What are the clinical findings for splenomegaly? (5)
- Asymptomatic
- Dyspepsia
- hard to digest - Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Palpable LUQ mass
What is the US appearance for splenomegaly? (5)
- Enlargement of the spleen
- Length exceeding 13cm
- Hypo echoic parenchyma
- Evaluate liver for pathology
- Evaluate abdominal cavity for ascites
What are 2 differential diagnosis for splenomegaly?
- Technical error
2. Splenic rupture
