The Born-Again Spleen

Abstract

We assessed splenic activity after splenectomy by interference phase microscopical examination of circulating red cells. Normal eusplenic children had a low number (99mTc sulfur colloid scan demonstrated multiple nodules of recurrent splenic tissue. In contrast to the prevailing opinion that splenosis is rare, we have found it to be a frequent occurrence. Return of splenic function may, in part, account for the low frequency with which overwhelming bacterial sepsis and meningitis have been documented after splenectomy for traumatic indications. (N Engl J Med 298:1389–1392, 1978)