Splenic nodules at autopsy

Gamna-Gandy bodies (GGBs), also known as hemosiderotic nodules, were first described in 1921 in association with sickle cell disease. Since then, they have been documented to occur in association with other pathological processes such as hemolytic anemia, congestive splenomegaly, hereditary hemochromatosis; and acquired hemosiderosis. Despite a uniquely characteristic microscopic appearance that is easily recognized by routine histopathologic examination, the precise significance of GGBs remains unknown. As such, documentation of GGBs in patients either by pathology or radiology should herald the presence of a systemic disorder such as sickle cell anemia or hemochromatosis wherein portal hypertension and/or congestive splenomegaly are present. In this article, we briefly present two autopsy cases from two patients with distinctly different clinical presentations wherein classic Gamna-Gandy bodies are illustrated on routine histopathologic examination.