SPLENIC INVOLVEMENT IN PANCREATITIS - SPECTRUM OF CT FINDINGS

The pancreas is located deep within the retroperitoneum in the anterio r pararenal space, The distal portion of the pancreatic tail extends a long the course of the splenic artery and vein (Fig. I)and enters the splenic hilum contained within the splenorenal ligament. Because of th ese anatomic relationships, the spleen and splenic vessels may be invo lved by pancreatitis, Although rare (frequency, 1-5%), splenic involve ment by pancreatitis includes intrasplenic pseudocyst, abscess, hemorr hage, infarction, splenic rupture, and vascular injury, Because these complications can be life-threatening, the extent and course of the di sease are closely monitored with CT to determine whether and when aggr essive intervention is necessary to avoid catastrophic clinical outcom es, The purpose of this essay is to illustrate the spectrum of CT find ings in cases of pancreatitis with splenic involvement.