RECOGNITION OF MALPOSITION OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN - CT, MRI, NUCLEARSCAN AND FLUOROSCOPIC IMAGING

Thirteen children initially suspected to have an intrathoracic or intr aabdominal mass had malposition of the liver and/or spleen discovered by ultrasound. This group consisted of five children with diaphragmati c eventration or hernia and eight with wandering spleen or liver. Care ful ultrasonographic examinations were diagnostic in all patients; sev en had surgical confirmation. CT, MRI, nuclear scan and fluorescopic i maging were useful in select instances. The liver and spleen have a ch aracteristic anatomic configuration and sonographic appearance that sh ould enable them to be recognized, and pathological alterations apprec iated, even when these organs are ectopic in location or malformed.