Post-splenectomy demonstration of splenic tissue by computed tomography with liposoluble contrast material.

The significance of localizing accessory spleens in patients with hematologic disorders as well as demonstrating splenic regeneration following splenectomy is well recognized. An experimental contrast material has been developed that, after intravenous injection, selectively opacifies the liver and spleen on computed tomograms. The contrast material was primarily developed to detect small avascular liver lesions (metastases). Its value in detecting accessory or recurrent spleen was recognized incidentally when a patient with testicular carcinoma and a previous splenectomy showed opacification of splenic tissue in the left upper abdomen.