A study on morphological variations of spleen in fetal and adult specimens and it’s clinical significance

Abstract

Introduction: The spleen is the largest organ of lymphatic system in the human body with distinct circulatory and immunomodulatory functions. Therefore, comprehensive knowledge of splenic anatomical variations and dimensions are essential for early diagnosis, appropriate management and prevention of various infectious diseases and prevention of complications during splenectomy for surgeons. Aim: The aim of the study is to find morphology of spleen in fetus specimens, morphology of spleen in adults and the incidence of variations in the morphology of spleen in both fetal and adult specimens. Material and Methods: The present study included 40 fetal and 40 adult cadaveric spleen. The morphological features like shape, poles, borders, surfaces and the impressions of spleen were observed. Results: In the Fetal group, most common shape observed was wedge or segment of an orange in 52.5%, tetrahedral in 35%, triangular in 7.5%. In the present study in adult specimens, 52.5% of spleen were tetrahedral, 35 % were wedge or segment of an orange, 20% were triangular and 2.5% were oval in shape. Of total 80% of the spleen showed notches. Conclusion: Exclusive knowledge of morphological variations, antenatal detection of splenic anomalies a re beneficial to elucidate developmental defects, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of intrauterine infections. The awareness of them morphological variations of spleen is of fundamental importance to the clinicians, radiologists, Hematologists and surgeons while performing surgical procedures on spleen. Keywords: Spleen, Splenic notch, Morphological variations, Splenectomy, Spleen, Splenic notch, Morphological variations, Splenectomy.