Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 24, 2025
Robotic Spleen-Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy: The Warshaw and Kimura Techniques
Published on: July 26, 2024
Enlarged accessory spleen after splenectomy mimicking a pancreas tumor
Le Tuan Linh1, Thieu-Thi Tra My2, Bui Van Lenh1
1Department of Radiology, Ha Noi Medical University Hospital, Ha Noi, Viet Nam; Department of Radiology, Ha Noi Medical University, Ha Noi, Viet Nam.
Introduction:
An accessory spleen (AS), a common condition, is usually located in the hilar region of the spleen. ASs are not often large; however, after splenectomy, the initially inactive AS may become reactive and hypertrophic. Therefore, an AS can be misdiagnosed as a neoplastic tumor and removed unnecessarily. An undiagnosed abdominal mass located in the spleen site in a patient who has had a splenectomy must be managed carefully. Computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may provide useful information for the diagnosis, preventing unnecessary surgery.
Case Presentation:
Herein, we report the case of a 38-year-old female with an enlargement of AS after splenectomy that was misdiagnosed as a primary tumor of the pancreas and managed by a nonessential surgery.
Conclusion:
An AS should be added to the differential diagnosis of a pancreatic tail tumor for patients with prior splenectomy in order to avoid nonessential surgery to ensure the patient's safety.
