Radiological imaging

Radiological imaging

Plain radiology is rarely used in investigation, but the inciden tal finding of calcification of the splenic artery or spleen may raise the possible diagnosis of a splenic artery aneurysm, an old infarct, a benign cyst or hydatid disease . Multiple areas of calci fication may suggest splenic tuberculosis. Ultrasonography can determine the size and consistency of the spleen and whether a cyst is present. However, computed tomography (CT) with contrast enhancement is more commonly undertaken to better characterise the nature of the suspected splenic pa thology and to exclude other intra-abdominal pathology . Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be similarly useful, especially as T2-weighted images allow cystic lesions to be distinguished.