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Ectopic spleen in the retroperitoneum. Case report
P P Vassilopoulos1, N G Apostolikas, I Papajoglou
1Third Clinic of Surgical Oncology, Hellenic Anticancer Institute, Saint-Savvas Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Acta Chirurgica Scandinavica
|September 1, 1990
Summary
This case report details the first known instance of an ectopic spleen discovered in the left retroperitoneal space. Histological analysis confirmed splenic tissue, with imaging showing normal liver and spleen function.
Area of Science:
- Medical Case Reports
- Surgical Pathology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Ectopic spleen refers to splenic tissue found outside its normal anatomical location.
- Retroperitoneal masses can present diagnostic challenges, requiring thorough histopathological evaluation.
- Congenital anomalies of the spleen, including accessory or ectopic spleens, are rare.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old male presented with a left retroperitoneal mass.
- Histopathological examination revealed well-developed splenic parenchyma, including a capsule and fibrous septa, amidst normal splenic cells.
- Postoperative scintigraphy using technetium-99m sulfur colloid demonstrated normal uptake in both the liver and the orthotopic spleen.
Findings:
- The histological findings confirmed the presence of splenic tissue within the retroperitoneal mass.
- The mass was identified as an ectopic spleen.
- Normal postoperative imaging indicated no functional compromise of the orthotopic spleen or liver.
Implications:
- This case represents the first documented instance of an ectopic spleen located in the left retroperitoneal space.
- It highlights the importance of considering rare congenital anomalies in the differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal masses.
- Accurate diagnosis through histology and imaging is crucial for appropriate patient management and understanding splenic development.