Radiology Department of Surgery Hospital, National University of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (1282 Views)
Splenic arteriography allows the organ to be clearly demonstrated and the condition of the parenchyrna to be assessed. The methode allows traumatic lesions to be easily diagnosed. The most common reliable signs are escape of contrast medium from the torn spenic arteries and lacunar appearance in the parenchyma. Other signs, such as early venous filling or antero-posterior and median displacement or deviation of the arteries are less reliable. Diagnostic errors can result from anomalies and, in particular, from abnormal lobes with aberrant vascularisation (polar insertion). Subtraction is of considerable value for improving the parenchymal appearance. In 43 angiogram carried out by W. W enzetal on patients in whom the tentative diagnosis of splenic rupture had been made, they have found no complication. In 12 cases rupture of the spleen was found and in one case there was rupture of the liver. Surgical intervention had confirmed the diagnosis. In two patients there was a false positive diagnosis. In the first there was a polar inser
tion and in the ·second an aberrant lobe. In ithe light of this experence which corresponds with ours it is possible with good technique and prompt investigation, to establish the pre-operative diagnosis in many of the cases. The method provides a certain diagnosis for the surgeon and there is no risk to the patient.