Splenic regeneration following splenectomy for traumatic rupture.

Thirty-three patients previously splenectomized following traumatic rupture of the spleen were assessed using a radionuclide technique. Splenic tissue was detected by this means in 22 patients (67%). Peripheral venous blood was examined for the presence of erythrocyte surface vacuoles. Vacuolated red blood cells were detected more frequently than in the normal population. The incidence of vacuolated red blood cells was inversely related to the estimated volume of regenerated splenic tissue.