[Silicone inclusions in the spleen in a patient under chronic hemodialysis]

A 67-year-old woman with chronic renal failure, in periodic hemodialysis, presented an hemolytic anemia in relation to splenic sequestration. Light Microscopic examination of the spleen revealed multiple granulomatous reaction. Numerous macrophages contained inclusions which were non-birefringent and non-staining with routine stains. Electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-Ray analysis were performed and revealed silicone. Its origin was silicone tubing of the hemodialysis equipment. Pathogenic effects of silicone are discussed.