The "starry night" splenic angiogram. Contrast material opacification of the malpighian body marginal sinus circulation in spleen trauma.

In traumatized human spleens, focal 0.3-1 cm. areas of contrast material staining appear to represent the malpighian marginal sinus circulation. This circulation, when seen, is static or very slow moving. Extravasation of blood and contrast material also may be present in the marginal sinus network. The identification of diffuse or localized small areas of contrast material in the splenic angiogram of the traumatized patient suggests splenic contusion, intrasplenic hematoma, or both. The splenic angiographic appearance described may be compared to the globular appearance of stars, as depicted by van Gogh in his painting "The Starry Night."