Imaging of the spleen

The spleen is the largest multifunctional lymphatic organ in the human body. Today, many of these functions and anatomic relationships can be studied invivo with new imaging techniques. Ultrasound, radionuclide scanning, CT, and MR imaging represent noninvasive and the most direct diagnostic techniques presently available for evaluating the spleen. Thus far, ultrasound, radionuclide, and CT are considered essential imaging modalities in evaluating the spleen. MR imaging of the spleen has been difficult because motion artifacts decrease image quality and result in nondiagnostic images. New developments in imaging techniques and the research on new reticuloendothelial system-specific contrast media improve the utility of MR imaging for detecting splenic disease. In this review, recent developments in ultrasound, radionuclide scanning, CT, and MR imaging, as they relate to the diagnosis of splenic disease, are described based on selected articles published in late 1988 and in 1989.