[MRI of the spleen].

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to show the possibilities of MRI in diagnostic of the spleen affections.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: During a two years period, MRI of the splen alone was performed in 13 patients, while MRI of the liver was performed in 213 patients. With the liver, we examined the spleen as well. Using 1.0T Unit (Siemens Magnetom Impact) we performed next sequences: T1W SE, T2W TSE FS, PD T2W, with and without breath hold. Rutinly we used body coil. We divided all patients in two groups: 1st group--13 patients undergoing spleen examination, and 2nd group--213 patients with liver and spleen examination with retrospective analysis.

RESULTS: In the first group--10 patients, MRI of the spleen provided us with some new information compared with CT and US. In three patient there were no new diagnostic information. In second group, accidently showed cystic postraumatic lesions, there was trombotic aneurysm of the lienal artery. Also in the patients with liver disease spelnomegaly was found in 25.

DISCUSSION: According to the literature and our initial experience, MRI of the spleen is not yet in wide clinical practice because of the little difference of the relaxation time of the spleen and proton density. Introducing of the paramagnetic contrast media will provide increasing of abilities in the detection of the tumor lesion. Further development advances towards diagnostic of the lymphatic infiltration, staging of metastatic carcinoma, and differential diagnostic of splenomegaly.

CONCLUSION: According to our experience and literature, MRI of the spleen is not yet in wide clinical practice, for now.