The Use of Thorium Dioxide Sol (Thorotrast) in the Roentgenologic Demonstration of Accessory Spleens

Experience with the use of thorium dioxide sol (Thorotrast) in the roentgen demonstration of accessory spleens is described. The importance of the application of this technic to the clinical management of patients with hematologic relapse following splenectomy is emphasized and illustrative case reports are presented.

Nine patients were given thorium dioxide in an attempt to demonstrate an accessory spleen. A remission was induced in 1 patient with acquired hemolytic anemia, who had failed to respond to splenectomy, by removal of an accessory spleen demonstrated with thorium dioxide. A second patient with hereditary spherocytosis who relapsed seven years after splenectomy was shown to have an accessory spleen. Seven patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura who had relapsed following splenectomy were given thorium dioxide and in no case was an accessory spleen found.