Scintigraphic assessment of ectopic splenic tissue localization and function following splenectomy for trauma

Twenty-three subjects who had a splenectomy as a result of trauma underwent scintigraphic evaluation with a sensitive heat-denatured sup(99m)Tc-labeled red blood cells (DRBC). This method enabled detection of ectopic splenic tissue foci (ESTF) as small as 1x1 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 1x1 to 5x10 cm (0.8-40 cm2), and 53% were less than 2x2 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 sup(99m)Tc-DRBC method described is recommended for verification of ESTF existence, localization, and function. (orig.)