The spleen

The human spleen is usually not palpable and is not clearly visible during most radiographic examinations. Hence, hematologic evaluation and radionuclide spleen imaging have contributed much to our understanding of the spleen. The noninvasive radiocolloid scan has provided data about splenic size and function. Focal splenic defects on the images are nonspecific but alert us to the presence of disease. When interpreted in a systematic manner and coupled with all other relevant data, raadionuclide studies of the spleen have a definite role in clinical practice. The present studies are likely the precursors of more definitive radiotracer studies for examining splenic function