Expected Sonographic Appearance of the Spleen in Children and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease: An Update

Conclusions—
Twenty years ago, children with HbSS SCD were expected to have autosplenectomy by age 5 years. There have been changes in the radiologic appearance of the spleen in patients with SDC, likely due to improved supportive care and the use of acute and chronic transfusion therapy. We found that autosplenectomy is rare by age 5 years, and during childhood and adolescence, the spleen typically appears echogenic, heterogeneous, or both, depending on disease severity.

Source: Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine - July 25, 2016 Category: Radiology Authors: Gale, H. I., Bobbitt, C. A., Setty, B. N., Sprinz, P. G., Doros, G., Williams, D. D., Morrison, T. C., Kalajian, T. A., Tu, P., Mundluru, S. N., Castro-Aragon, I. Tags: Original Research Source Type: research