A Study on the Variations of Size, Shape and External Features of the Spleen in South Indian Population Estudio sobre la Variación del Tamaño, Forma y Características Externas del Bazo en la Población del Sur de la India

SUMMARY: The spleen is the largest lymphoid organ. It is wedge shaped and measures about 1 inch thick, 3 inches broad and 5 inches long. It presents characteristic notches on its superior margin and has a hilum on the visceral surface. The aim was t o study the anomalies related to size, shape and external features of the spleen and discuss their clinical importance. As there are not ma ny reports on variations in size shape and features of spleen in the South Indian population, we decided to do this study on cadaveric specim ens. We observed 50 spleens fixed with 10% formalin. Among the 50 spleens observed, 25 spleens (50%) were normal and had all the featur es explained in the textbooks. 25 spleens (50%) did not have any notches on the superior margin, 2 spleens (4%) did not have a hil um and 4 spleens (8%) were small sized i.e. about 3 inches long. One of the spleens (2%) was "liver shaped" with 2 lobes. The knowledge of external features and dimensions of spleen are important for radiologists and surgeons as it may lead to confusions in interpre ting radiographs and in the procedures of ultrasound examinations. in stainless steel tanks containing 10% formalin. We studied 50 spleens in store since past 5 years. The cadavers are from the Southern part of India. During the study, the length breadth and thickness were observed. The organ was also observed for its abnormal shape and presence of notches on its superior margin. The anomalies were photographed.