title: Scintigraphic assessment of ectopic splenic tissue localization and function following splenectomy for trauma.
abstract: Twenty-three subjects who had a splenectomy as a result of trauma underwent scintigraphic evaluation with a sensitive heat-denatured 99mTc-labeled red blood cells (DRBC). This method enabled detection of ectopic splenic tissue foci (ESTF) as small as 1 X 1 cm in diameter. ESTF splenosis or accessory spleen was detected in 15 cases (65%), a higher incidence than previously reported. The size of the ESTF ranged from 1 X 1 to 5 X 10 cm (0.8-40 cm2), and 53% were less than 2 X 2 cma (3 cm2). A new multiparametric scintigraphic evaluating technique is described, which estimates the quantity of ESTF and its grade of activity, relative to that of the liver. The technique is a highly efficient assessor of ESTF function. Good correlation was found between the size and activity of the ESTF and the presence of Howell-Jolly bodies (HJB), but with a low sensitivity for detecting small ESTF. Correlation was low between residual splenic tissue and concentrations of IgM, IgA and IgG immunoglobulins. The 99mTc-DRBC method described is recommended for verification of ESTF existence, localization, and function.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002828:Choristoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004908:Erythrocyte Inclusions; D004912:Erythrocytes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013154:Spleen; D013156:Splenectomy; D013667:Technetium
chemical_list: D013667:Technetium