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

Abstract

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.

Three‐dimensional morphological analysis of the human spleen and its surrounding organs during the early fetal period

“…We presumed that the irregular contours could be embryonic remnants of fusion borders between adjacent lobules that existed in the earlier stage, which would eventually disappear or remain as notches observed in the adult spleen. It has been reported that the average number of notches in the fetal spleen is approximately three, 21 and usually less than seven in the adult spleen 8,11,36 . Hence, we considered the possibility that the irregular type observed in this study could be abnormal rather than an under‐developing spleen; however, we were not able to acquire enough evidence to confirm our hypothesis from this study.…”

“…It has been reported that the average number of notches in the fetal spleen is approximately three, 21 and usually less than seven in the adult spleen. 8,11,36 Hence, we considered the possibility that the irregular type observed in this study could be abnormal rather than an under-developing spleen; however, we were not able to acquire enough evidence to confirm our hypothesis from this study.…”

“…Such variability in spleen volume makes it difficult to define the normal size of the spleen compared to that of other stable organs. 5,7,8 Many studies have investigated the morphological variations in the spleen, [8][9][10][11] suggesting that the polymorphous nature of the spleen has attracted researchers' attention and many have tried to find some meanings in its elusive shape. According to these studies, the adult spleen is often classified into wedge, tetrahedral, triangular, and oval shapes based on the shape of the diaphragmatic surface.…”