Diagnosis of Polysplenia Syndrome

Abstract

Three cases of polysplenia were diagnosed by visceral arteriography. Each patient had a common celiacomesenteric artery. The origin of supply to the dislocated splenic lobules was variable. Such lobules were readily demonstrated at various sites along the greater curvature of the stomach. Plain chest film findings which suggest polysplenia include (a) a stomach position opposite the cardiac apex-aortic arch, (b) malrotation of the gut on barium studies, (c) an enlarged azygos or hemiazygos vein, especially with malposition of the stomach and/or (d) dextrocardia, and (e) absence of the eparterial bronchus. The authors suggest that visceral arteriography is the only definite means of achieving a precise diagnosis.