Radionuclide studies of the spleen in trauma and iatrogenic disorders.

The first task of radiocolloid spleen imaging, after trauma, is to determine if the organ is functioning. If this cannot be demonstrated, splenic avulsion must be considered. The second task is to document splenic injury (not to suggest splenectomy, but to serve as a baseline for following later healing). Failure to heal may be a risk factor for subsequent splenic rupture. The third task of spleen imaging is to determine if accessory splenic fragments are present and functional. The radiocolloid spleen scan facilitates the successful accomplishment of all of these tasks.