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.