Accessory spleen

Accessory spleen is a condition where there is presence of one or more small, round masses of splenic tissue separate from the main body of the spleen. These are also known as splenunculi or splenules. They are congenital and are found in approximately 10% of the population. They may be singular or multiple and their size can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters.

Causes

Accessory spleens are congenital and are not caused by disease or a health condition. They are thought to arise from the failure of the fusion of the splenic anlage (primordia) during the fifth week of fetal development.

Diagnosis

Accessory spleens are usually discovered during imaging tests for other conditions. They can be identified on ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or during surgery. On imaging, they appear similar to normal splenic tissue.

Treatment

No treatment is necessary for accessory spleens unless they cause symptoms or complications. In rare cases, they may require surgical removal.

Complications

Although accessory spleens are usually asymptomatic, they can occasionally cause complications. These include:

• Torsion and subsequent infarction
• Hemorrhage due to trauma
• Misdiagnosis as a tumor
• Howell-Jolly bodies on peripheral smear if the accessory spleen is the only functioning splenic tissue following splenectomy

See also

• Spleen
• Congenital anomalies
• Torsion
• Hemorrhage
• Howell-Jolly bodies

References

Accessory spleen Resources
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