Accessory Spleen in the Greater Omentum: Embryology and Revisited Prevalence Rates

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate in a large sample the prevalence rates of accessory spleens located in the greater omentum and to explain the embryological background and the vascular supply of this rare congenital disorder. Methods: Evaluation of the presence of accessory spleens located in the greater omentum was performed in 5 different international anatomical centers investigating a total of 1,045 body donors. Arterial and venous blood supply and the precise location of the respective vasculature within the splenic ligaments are described based on dissection of this rare condition in a male specimen. Results: The reported prevalence rates from 5 different centers were: 0.5% (out of 380 body donors), 0% (out of 230 donors), 0% (out of 200 donors), 2% (out of 200 donors), and 0% (out of 35 donors). The cumulative prevalence rate obtained from 1,045 anatomical dissections was 0.6%. The identified accessory spleen measured 3 × 3 × 2.5 cm and was located in the left upper abdominal quadrant. A vascular stag 7.5 cm in length was identified within the gastro-splenic ligament, containing an artery and a vein piercing the greater omentum from posterior. Conclusion: An accessory spleen located in the greater omentum is a rare congenital disorder. Physicians should be aware of the fact that in patients without any representative symptom history a nodular mass located within the greater omentum could be an accessory spleen.

Accessory spleen diagnostically hidden, laparoscopically removed – case report and review of the literature

“…The most common localization of the AS is near the hilum and vascular pedicles of the spleen, the tail of the pancreas, followed by left testicle or ovary due to splenogonadal fusion. It can often be found in the large or small omentum, mesentery of the small intestine, along the greater curvature of the stomach, in the Douglas space, and so on [2,8,9].…”

“…In most cases, its dimension is 1-2 cm. The most frequent localization of AS is the posteromedial side of the spleen, spleen hilus, followed by the tail of the pancreas, gastrocolic ligament, large omentum [2].…”

Hepatic Arterial Buffer Response in Liver Radioembolization and Potential Use for Improved Cancer Therapy

“…These tissues appear well-marginated and exhibit a clear reenhancement during the arterial phase mimicking tumors [52]. They belong to 2 different groups [53].…”

Retroperitoneal Abdominal Accessory Splenosis

“…The most common location of AS is the pancreas tail and spleen's hilum [ 1 ]. AS is considered a congenital structure due to the failure of union of the splenic primordium, originating from the dorsal mesogastrium's left side during the early phase of the fetus's life [ 2 ]. AS are found in about 10-30% of the autopsy findings [ 3 ] and are predominately asymptomatic; they are usually diagnosed incidentally on imaging or intra-operatively [ 4 ].…”