Multiple accessory spleens: Case report and literature review

Accessory spleens may be overlooked during splenectomy. Consequently, a second splenectomy may be necessary. This report concerns the occurrence of multiple accessory spleens discovered during routine dissection of a male cadaver. Their size ranged from 0.5 to 6 cm, and they were located in the hilus and ligaments of a spleen with a normal appearance. Their splenic structure was confirmed histologically. The embryological basis of accessory spleens is re‐examined, and the frequency of their occurrence and their clinical significance are reviewed. The purpose of this paper is to alert the practicing surgeon again to the existence and significance of accessory spleens. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.