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[Unspecific abdominal complaints: diagnosis with szintigraphy]
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universität Bonn. boriskinkel@web.de
Der Internist
|March 8, 2005
Summary
Splenosis, a rare condition where spleen tissue implants after splenectomy, can mimic cancer. Technetium-99m-labeled red blood cell scintigraphy accurately diagnosed abdominal splenosis in this patient, avoiding unnecessary surgery.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Nuclear Medicine
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Splenosis is a rare condition resulting from autotransplantation of splenic tissue after splenectomy.
- It can present as abdominal masses, often mimicking malignancy.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to its varied presentation.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old male, 50 years post-splenectomy, presented with symptomatic abdominal and pelvic masses.
- Initial imaging (ultrasound and CT) suggested peritoneal carcinomatosis.
- Technetium-99m-labeled heat-damaged red blood cell scintigraphy was performed.
Findings:
- Red blood cell scintigraphy confirmed multifocal intraabdominal splenosis.
- The imaging findings were specific and led to a definitive diagnosis.
- This diagnostic approach avoided further invasive procedures.
Implications:
- Red blood cell scintigraphy is a specific, cost-effective, and easily performable tool for diagnosing splenosis.
- This technique can prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical interventions.
- It highlights the importance of considering splenosis in patients with a history of splenectomy presenting with abdominal masses.