Retrospective radiologic analysis of accessory spleen by computed tomography

Objectives: The aim of this study was to define the incidence and classify locations of accessory spleen using CT in a large Turkish population and to compare our findings with earlier studies performed in other populations. Methods: A total of 930 patients were included in the study and evaluated retrospectively using CT. The CT images were obtained using Philips Ingenuity 128 slice computerized tomography device. Results: 930 patients (413 females, 44.4%; 517 males, 55.6%) who underwent CT imaging for various indications were included in this study. Out of these, 55 had an accessory spleen (5.9%), and four had polysplenia. Most common location of accessory spleen was hilum (49.9%) followed by the gastrosplenic ligament (21.81%), infrasplenic area (18.18%), pancreatic tail (3.64%), splenorenal ligament (3.64%) and suprasplenic area (3.64%). Conclusion: Accessory spleen is a common variation encountered in the abdominal cavity. Most and least common locations of this variation should be well known to prevent radiologic misdiagnosis and surgical complications.