Morphological Study of Splenic Notches and Fissures

Abstract

Introduction: Spleen is the largest and secondary lymphoid organ in humans. It has two ends: Anterior and Posterior end. Two surfaces: Visceral and Diaphragmatic surfaces. Three borders: Superior, Inferior and Intermediate. Spleen begins to develop during the 5th week of intra-uterine life from a mass of mesenchymal cells, originating in the dorsal mesogastrium as a localized thickening of coelomic epithelium. The spleen is lobulated in foetus but the lobules normally disappear before birth. The imperfect fusion of splenic masses during embryonic life results in an accessory spleen. The spleen plays a vital role in regard to blood storage, formation of lymphocyte and defense against foreign particles. Materials and methods: The study was carried out in 50 formalin fixed spleen from the Department of Anatomy, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Sciences, Madurantakam Taluk, Chengalpet Dt, Tamilnadu, India. Results: Out of 50 spleens, Wedge shape is seen in 33 spleens, Triangular shape is observed in 5 spleens, tetrahedral in 7 spleens, oval shape in 3 spleens, and dome-shaped in 2 spleen. The splenic notches were observed in the superior border in 44 spleens (88%) and notch seen in the inferior border in 4 spleens (8%) and the absence of a notch in both the superior and inferior border noted in 2 spleens (4%). The number of notches on the superior border is from 1 to 4 and the number of notches on the inferior border is 1. Fissures noted in 8 spleens (16%). In 5 specimens fissures extended to reach the visceral surface. Conclusion: The presence of abnormal fissures and lobes of the spleen might confuse the radiologists. Abnormal lobulation might cause misinterpretation as mass originating from the kidney. It is essential for surgeons and radiologists to be aware of the splenic variations. KEY WORDS: splenic surfaces, shapes, notches, fissures.