Abstract
IntroductionSplenosis is a post-traumatic autotrasplantation and proliferation of splenic tissue in ectopic sites. These implants may mimic malignancy in healthy patients or peritoneal metastases in cancer patients. When a previous history of splenic injury is known, the finding of soft tissue nodules in many thoracic and abdominal locations might raise the suspicion of the benign condition of splenosis, in order to avoid unnecessary surgery or chemotherapy.Case presentationA 56-year-old man with history of persistent hematuria from bladder cancer was referred to our Institution for suspected peritoneal carcinosis. For staging purposes he underwent abdominal computed tomography and ultrasound. The integration of patient's history and imaging results led to the diagnosis of peritoneal splenosis. The patient therefore underwent regular Trans Urethral Resection of Bladder for the known malignancy; while no treatment was necessary for splenosis. Two years follow-up was negative for metastases.ConclusionSplenosis is a benign condition after traumatic splenectomy which should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis with peritoneal seeding of malignancy because its appearance may resemble malignancy.
Highlights
Splenosis is a post-traumatic autotrasplantation and proliferation of splenic tissue in ectopic sites
When a previous history of splenic injury is known, the finding of soft tissue nodules in many thoracic and abdominal locations might raise the suspicion of the benign condition of splenosis, in order to avoid unnecessary surgery or chemotherapy
Splenosis is a benign condition after traumatic splenectomy which should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis with peritoneal seeding of malignancy because its appearance may resemble malignancy
Summary
Traumatic disruption of the splenic capsule causes fragments of splenic tissue to be seeded throughout the peritoneal cavity [1]. It has been demonstrated that splenic implants can survive and grow when transplanted to ectopic sites, such as the splenic fossa, any site of the peritoneal cavity, gastro-intestinal tract, liver, kidney, thorax, subcutaneous tissues and even in the head [2] Since these implants may mimic malignancy or peritoneal metastases, in cancer patients with previous history of splenic injury, the finding of soft tissue nodules in the (page number not for citation purposes). Case presentation A 56-year-old white man native from Italy, was admitted to our Institution for a diagnosis of bladder cancer and a previous CT scan suggesting peritoneal carcinosis. His history started about 4 months in advance for the occurrence of hematuria. Diagnosis of post-splenectomy splenosis was confirmed and the patient underwent usual TURV as treatment for bladder cancer, with no chemotherapy, or further treatment for splenosis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
