Accessory spleen in human fetuses: A cadaveric study

Abstract

Background The aim of the study was to assess the morphological and histological features of accessory spleen in formalin-preserved human fetuses. Methods The study was conducted on spleen of 40 human fetuses of varied gestational ages without any congenital anomalies with due clearance from the ethical committee. The existence of accessory spleen was investigated during dissection. These were then dissected, weighed, and stained by hematoxylin and eosin as well as Masson’s trichrome method and observed under compound light microscope. Results In 5 (12.5%) cases, the accessory spleen was revealed in fetuses aged between 29th and 40th gestational weeks. These were located near the splenic hilum. On histological examination, the tissue of accessory spleen revealed a well-defined capsule. White pulp was less differentiated as compared with red pulp area. Conclusion The accessory spleen is often misdiagnosed by the clinicians for neoplastic growth or lymph node enlargement; therefore, its awareness is important.

Keywords

• accessory spleen
• splenunculi
• fetus
• white pulp
• red pulp