The radio-pathological correlation of spleen lesions

To review the spectrum of spleen lesions, by correlating the radiologic images with the anatomopathological findings. A retrospective study was carried out on 180 patients with splenic lesions, whose diagnosis had been confirmed by the anatomopathological unit. The iconography was studied, distinguishing between the following categories: inflammatory/infectious pathology, cystic and vascular lesions, benign diffuse infiltration illnesses, tumours and development abnormalities. We showed the distribution of the lesions observed in our series and the correlation of the radiologic images with those of the pathologic study of the most significant ones. The current imaging methods allow for a reliable diagnostic approach to the splenic processes, however, the anatomopathological correlation, when possible, has been proven o be very useful. Currently computed tomography is still the technique chosen to evaluate the spleen, especially due to its availability. The arrival of the helical computed tomography has significantly improved the characterisation and the detection of lesions. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has proved to be especially useful for small lesions and for some diffuse infiltrations, such as hemochromatosis. (Author) 36 refs