Spleen

The spleen is generally not considered a challenge to the radiologist and it is also true that the spleen is an uncommon site of primary disease; however, it may be involved by a variety of different diseases including generalized hematopoietic and lymphopoietic disorders, systemic infections, neoplasms, and immunologic-inflammatory disorders. Some of these conditions have no clinical significance but familiarity with their existence is nevertheless important in order to avoid interpretative pitfalls. Computer tomography and ultrasonography are screening modalities for the spleen. For problem solving, magnetic resonance imaging may be helpful, especially given its free choice of the imaging plane and because of the high contrast resolution. The purpose of this chapter is to present a review of imaging findings of a vast array of splenic diseases, correlated with underlying gross and microscopic pathologic features.