[Contribution of ultrasonography in focal lesions of the spleen. Apropos of 38 cases].

Focal lesions of the spleen are due to multiple causes dominated by malignant lymphoma. The authors study the contribution of sonography in the diagnosis and etiology of these lesions based on a retrospective study of 38 cases, over an eight-year period. Hematological malignancies splenic metastases and splenic hydatid disease are the commonest lesions in this series. Sonography provides an etiologic diagnosis in the presence of highly suggestive features (hydatic cyst, hematomas) without requiring other investigations. The needle biopsy is necessary for any hypoechoic lesion, suggestive of a malignant etiology. CT is essential when a hemangioma is suspected.