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Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy

Published in:

01-10-2007 | Original Article

Development of spleen during the fetal period

Authors: Bahadır Üngör, Mehmet Ali Malas, Osman Sulak, Soner Albay

Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy | Issue 7/2007

Abstract

Objective

This study was aimed to determine the location and development of the spleen in the human fetuses.

Materials and methods

The study was carried on 141 dead human fetuses aged between 9 and 40 weeks with no marked pathology and anomaly in the years 2002–2003. The location of spleen with the neighboring structures, the existence of accessory spleens, notches on the borders, fissures on the surfaces, major ligaments and the shape of spleen and its hilum were established. The spleen was completely observed intraperitoneally (except at the hilum), in the left hypochondrium throughout the fetal period. The length, width, thickness, weight, volume, and the hilum dimensions of spleen were measured.

Results

The dimensions, weight, and volume of the spleen were increased with the gestational age, and positive significant correlations were determined (P < 0.001). There was no difference between sexes in all parameters (P > 0.05). The length of the spleen has ranged between 3.1 and 35.6 mm, between 9 weeks old and 40-week-old fetuses, respectively. One or more accessory spleens have been found in 14% of cases.

Conclusion

The measurements and location of the spleen according to the gestational age were determined by the present study. The expression of morphometric parameters of the spleen at different gestational ages can be used in determination of pathologies of the spleen and may also contribute to future studies on this issue.

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Title: Development of spleen during the fetal period
Authors: Bahadır Üngör
Mehmet Ali Malas
Osman Sulak
Soner Albay
Publication date: 01-10-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy / Issue 7/2007
Print ISSN: 0930-1038
Electronic ISSN: 1279-8517
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-007-0240-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Development of spleen during the fetal period

Abstract

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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