Ultrasonically Guided Percutaneous Biopsy of the Spleen

The differential diagnosis of splenic involvement by malignant, or non malignant disease is of considerable clinical importance. Approximately 30% of enlarged spleens of unknown origin are caused by lymphoma and 30% of enlarged spleens in lymphoma patients are benign in origin [1]. In malignant disease, the results of treatment can only be assessed on the basis of accurate appraisal of any spread. Focal lesions within the spleen can be detected by imaging methods such as ultrasound (US). The nature of such lesions can be demonstrated by aspiration cytology or tissue core biopsy [2].