Heterotopic peripancreatic spleens presenting as possible tumors of the body and tail of the pancreas

Abstract

Accessory spleens are found in about 10% of routine postmortem autopsies, usually near the hilum of the spleen and the tail of the pancreas. In 16% of cases, the accessory spleen may be found within the pancreatic tail.1 Its importance arises when computed tomography (CT) scan reveals a tumor in or about the tail of the pancreas. The diagnosis of intrapancreatic accessory spleen may be suggested when the CT scan, following intravenous contrast injection, shows the mass to be enhanced in a manner characteristic of that of a spleen. Accessory spleen can be identified using technetium 99m(99m)Tc)-labelled heated red cells or99mTc sulfur colloid.2 We report a patient with heterotopic spleens, questioned by CT scan for pancreatic tumors, but accurately diagnosed by99mTc sulfur colloid scan.