THORACIC SPLENOSIS AFTER BLUNT TRAUMA - FREQUENCY AND IMAGING FINDINGS

OBJECTIVE. Thoracic splenosis is an uncommon sequela of simultaneous s plenic and diaphragmatic injury. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the prevalence of thoracic splenosis in 17 subjects who h ad sustained splenic and diaphragmatic injury and to describe the CT a nd MR features of thoracic splenosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. All patien ts had Tc-99m-RBC scintigraphy. Subjects with radionuclide uptake in t he thorax were further examined with radiography, CT, and MR imaging o f the chest. RESULTS. Three subjects (18%) had evidence of ectopic spl enic activity in the left side of the thorax. The CT features consiste d of one pleural nodule and two pleural masses. The MR appearance of t he ectopic splenic tissue was similar to that of normal spleen. CONCLU SION. Thoracic splenosis occurs with moderate frequency after combined splenic and diaphragmatic injury. The CT appearance is that of pleura l masses or nodules. The MR appearance is relatively similar to that o f normal spleen.