Radioisotope Scanning of the Liver and Spleen in Dextrocardia and in Situs Inversus with Levocardia

Abstract

Radioisotope scanning of the liver and spleen in 5 patients with dextrocardia and five with situs inversus and levocardia is described and illustrated. All had complicated cardiac malformations. In 2 patients with splenic agenesis the liver appeared bilobed and symmetrical on liver scans. In 2 proved cases and 1 probable case of congenital asplenia no spleen was visualized and the tagged red cells were sequestered by the liver these findings are similar to those in absent spleen from other causes except that in congenital asplenia the liver is bilaterally symmetrical. In 1 case of possible asplenia the scan was inconclusive. The technic appears of value in demonstrating unusual variations of lobularity of the liver and in demonstrating the presence or absence of the spleen. The developmental aspects of asplenia are briefly discussed.