American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 128, Issue 1, 115-120
Copyright © 1977 by American Roentgen Ray Society
The anatomic splenic flexure: an ultrasonic renal impostor
RL Teele,
AT Rosenfield,
and
GS Freedman
The anatomic splenic flexure of the colon occupies the left renal fossa in patients with agensis or ectopic of the left kidney. On ultrasonic scans, the colon filled with stool or fluid may simulate a kidney or mass. This mass is often comma shaped on the transverse scans and lacks good definition of its inferior margin on longitudinal scans. An evaluation of a patient with only right renal function should combine radiologic techniques with ultrasonography to establish the correct diagnosis.