Congenital Anomalies and Variants

an accessory spleen is also referred to as

splenule, splenunculus, or a supernumerary spleen

an accessory spleen is a

small, round island of splenic tissue is typically located near the splenic hilum or possibly near the tail of the pancreas

an accessory spleen will appear

isoechoic to the spleen

splenic cleft

a common anomaly when the spleen appears to be divided by a hyperechoic line in some individuals

2 uncommon congenital anomalies of the spleen are

asplenia and polysplenia

asplenia

the congenital absence of the spleen

polysplenia leads to the

development of multiple small masses of splenic tissue

asplenia and polysplenia have been associated with

some complex cardiac malformations and the abnormal location of other organs—termed heterotaxia syndromes.

ectopic splenic tissue is also referred to as

splenosis

splenosis can occur following

splenic rupture

ectopic splenic tissue can resemble

a mass

wandering spleen

extremely rare condition in which case the splenic ligaments are absent or underdeveloped, thus allowing the opportunity for the spleen to be highly mobile and often positioned well into the lower abdomen.

an individual with wandering spleen can suffer from

splenic torsion because the vessels of the spleen may twist secondary to the hypermobility of the organ

vascular torsion can lead to a

splenic infarction

Accessory spleen. An isoechoic mass is seen adjacent to the spleen (S) at the level of the splenic hilum. This is the most common location and appearance of an accessory spleen (a). The diaphragm is also clearly identified in this image (arrow).