Splenogonadal Fusion : Types
Image Description
Types of Splenogonadal Fusion:
Continuous: There is a connection between the spleen proper and the gonad, usually in the form of a fibrous cord. The continuous form is commonly syndromic and may be associated with birth defects, including limb anomalies, micrognathia, microglossia, anal atresia, pulmonary hypoplasia, cardiac defects, and spina bifida.
Discontinuous: The ectopic splenic tissue is attached to the gonad and is not physically connected to the spleen proper. Both continuous and discontinuous forms are associated with cryptorchidism in 30% to 50% of cases. Testicular neoplasms may occur in association with splenogonadal fusion as the attached testis is often cryptorchid.
This image shows atrophic seminiferous tubules on the right and normal-appearing splenic tissue with a fibrous capsule on the left.
Continuous: There is a connection between the spleen proper and the gonad, usually in the form of a fibrous cord. The continuous form is commonly syndromic and may be associated with birth defects, including limb anomalies, micrognathia, microglossia, anal atresia, pulmonary hypoplasia, cardiac defects, and spina bifida.
Discontinuous: The ectopic splenic tissue is attached to the gonad and is not physically connected to the spleen proper. Both continuous and discontinuous forms are associated with cryptorchidism in 30% to 50% of cases. Testicular neoplasms may occur in association with splenogonadal fusion as the attached testis is often cryptorchid.
This image shows atrophic seminiferous tubules on the right and normal-appearing splenic tissue with a fibrous capsule on the left.