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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
02:09
Application of Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy with Total Blood Flow Occlusion in Benign Splenic Lesions
Published on: December 20, 2024
Accessory spleen presenting as mass in the left upper abdomen
Yusuf Yagmur1, Hayrettin Ozturk
1Department of General Surgery, Dicle University, Medical School, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
Summary
An enlarged accessory spleen, a separate mass of splenic tissue, can mimic other left upper quadrant masses on imaging. This finding is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Abdominal Imaging
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Accessory spleens are congenital anomalies representing ectopic splenic tissue.
- They are typically small and asymptomatic, often discovered incidentally.
- Enlargement can lead to diagnostic challenges, mimicking other pathologies.
Observation:
- A case report details an enlarged accessory spleen measuring 10 x 8 x 6 cm.
- Imaging modalities including CT and ultrasonography visualized this as a distinct mass.
- The accessory spleen was located adjacent to the main splenic body.
Findings:
- The enlarged accessory spleen presented as a significant left upper quadrant mass.
- Histological examination confirmed healthy splenic tissue, ruling out malignancy.
- Differential diagnosis for left upper quadrant masses must include enlarged accessory spleens.
Implications:
- Accurate identification of enlarged accessory spleens is vital to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures.
- Radiologists and clinicians should consider accessory spleens in the differential diagnosis of left upper quadrant masses.
- Understanding the imaging characteristics of accessory spleens improves diagnostic accuracy.
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