Thoracic splenosis after a gunshot: diffusion-weighted MRI findings

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Intrathoracic splenosis is a rare consequence of splenic and diaphragmatic rupture following trauma.
• It involves the autotransplantation of splenic tissue within the thoracic cavity.

Observation:

• A patient presented with left dorsal pain and pleural masses on chest X-ray, 19 years post-penetrating trauma.
• Radiologic workup was initiated due to these findings.

Findings:

• MRI revealed intrathoracic and subcutaneous masses with characteristic signal intensities on T1, T2, and diffusion-weighted imaging.
• Scintigraphy confirmed abnormal uptake in the subcutaneous tissue and diaphragmatic pleura of the left hemithorax.

Implications:

• This case highlights the delayed presentation of combined intrathoracic and subcutaneous splenosis.
• Advanced imaging techniques are crucial for diagnosing this rare condition long after the initial injury.