What cross sectional image guided interventions are possible in the spleen?
- When clinically indicated given the increased risk of complications such as bleeding, percutaneous image-guided biopsy and catheter drainage can be performed safely in the spleen.
- Focal splenic masses are uncommon, so splenic biopsy is rarely performed. Splenic abscesses also are not common although the incidence is thought to be growing because of the increasing number of immunocompromised patients.
- If a percutaneous procedure is attempted, the size of the needle or catheter should be conservative because of the risk of hemorrhage.
