Cross-sectional imaging of nontraumatic emergencies of the spleen

Abstract

Multiple nontraumatic splenic emergencies are encountered during the imaging of patients in emergency room. Occasionally, patients are investigated for symptoms of suspected splenic pathology, such as abscess, infarct, symptomatic splenic artery aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm, splenic torsion, or rupture. More often, however, splenic emergencies, such as splenic masses and splenic vein thrombosis, are detected in patients in the emergency room during the evaluation of nonspecific abdominal pain. It is essential for radiologists to be vigilant in the identification of nontraumatic splenic emergencies and to be familiar with interventional radiology management options for these pathologies. Our aim is to highlight factors affecting lesion detection on multiple imaging modalities and to discuss the advantages of different cross-sectional modalities for the diagnosis of splenic abnormalities. Finally, we review the management options with emphasis on interventional radiology where applicable.