Sonographic patterns in splenic infarct

Abstract

The sonographic findings in eight cases of splenic infarct at their onset and at different phases of their development have been retrospectively analyzed. A wide range of appearances was seen (single or multiple, rounded or wedge-shaped, echo-free, hypoechoic, and hyperechoic lesions). In our opinion, such variable appearances are related to the age of the infarct (hypoechoic or echo-free in the earlier stages, hyperechoic in healed infarcts). A presumptive diagnosis is possible in the earlier stages since the detection of changes (in echogenicity and/or in size) over a period of time strongly suggests an infarct. On the other hand, a hyperechoic wedge-shaped lesion is fairly typical of healed infarcts.