Abdominal splenosis mimicking peritoneal deposits - A case report

Area of Science:

• Medical imaging
• Pathology
• Surgical complications

Background:

• Splenosis is a rare, benign condition characterized by ectopic splenic tissue.
• It often arises after splenic trauma or surgery due to autotransplantation of splenic fragments.
• The condition's diffuse nature can mimic metastatic disease, complicating diagnosis.

Observation:

• Heterotopic splenic tissue can occur intra-abdominally or, less commonly, in extrabdominal sites.
• Increased incidence of abdominal trauma and improved imaging technologies are leading to more frequent detection.
• Clinical presentation can be asymptomatic or present with vague abdominal symptoms.

Findings:

• Accurate diagnosis of splenosis hinges on a detailed patient history of splenic trauma or surgery.
• Advanced, non-invasive imaging modalities are crucial for identifying splenosis.
• Histopathological examination may be required in ambiguous cases to confirm benign splenic tissue.

Implications:

• Distinguishing splenosis from malignancy is critical for appropriate patient management and avoiding unnecessary aggressive treatments.
• Awareness of splenosis is important for radiologists and clinicians encountering abdominal masses in patients with a history of splenic injury.
• Non-invasive diagnostic approaches can improve patient outcomes by enabling timely and accurate diagnosis.