Imaging of splenic rupture.

Results from imaging of 30 splenic ruptures were analyzed. Radiography gave abnormal findings in 7/30 thoracic examinations and 8/19 plain abdominal films. Ultrasonography rarely revealed focal splenic lesions at primary examination, though intraperitoneal fluid was commonly found. Subsequently more focal changes were discovered, and none of the 19 examined patients ultimately had a normal ultrasonogram. There were focal splenic lesions in ten patients, subcapsular fluid in four and intraperitoneal fluid in 14. Computed tomography revealed abnormality in all ten studies patients--irregular splenic parenchyma in six, subcapsular fluid accumulation in five and intraperitoneal fluid in six cases.