Additional spleens in children. Literature review and own clinical observations

Aim - to conduct a literature review analysis on accessory spleens in children and to establish the prevalence, number and localization, as well as modern visualization methods, features of the course and significant indications for surgical treatment. Accessory spleens account for 10% to 30% of the population. The prevalence of additional spleens was established, which varied depending on the imaging method: verification using ultrasound, computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging took place from 16.6% to 30.1%, intraoperative from 14.3% to 14.6%, and cadaveric from 0.6% to 9.1%. By the number of additional spleens, it was established that one additional spleen took place from 21.4% to 85%, and two or more from 25.0% to 64.3%. Additional spleens were localized in the splenic hilum from 41.7% to 75%, in lig.gastrolienale 15.0% to 54.0%. Surgical treatment - removal of the additional spleen is indicated only if it is complicated by volvulus, necrosis and suppuration, and isolated cases are described as clinical observations. There were 195 patients with additional spleens for 30 years, aged from 3 months to 18 years, of which 103 (52.82%) were male, 92 (47.18%) were female. Patients were divided into two groups: the first group 59 (30.26%) - inpatient surgical treatment of other ailments, the second group - 136 (69.74%), who were treated on an outpatient basis. Conclusions. An additional spleen is a congenital anomaly that is usually asymptomatic, but can clinically manifest complications such as torsion, spontaneous rupture with bleeding, suppuration and cyst formation, which requires urgent examination and treatment, including surgical removal of the twisted additional spleen. The authors declare no conflict of interest.