Ectopic Splenic Tissue: Diagnostic Challenges in Limited Samples and Intraoperative Consultations.

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Histology
• Oncology

Background:

• Ectopic splenic tissue diagnosis is challenging in small samples.
• Misdiagnosis can lead to incorrect patient management.
• Accurate identification is crucial for clinical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe clinicopathologic features of ectopic splenic tissue.
• To highlight diagnostic pitfalls in various sample types.
• To emphasize the role of immunohistochemistry in diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Multi-institutional study of 41 ectopic splenic tissue lesions.
• Analysis of clinicopathologic features and imaging findings.
• Histologic evaluation and CD8 immunohistochemical staining.

Main Results:

• Ectopic splenic tissue mimicked neoplastic and inflammatory conditions.
• Radiology suspected ectopic splenic tissue in only 17% of cases.
• CD8 staining confirmed diagnosis by highlighting sinusoidal endothelial cells.

Conclusions:

• Ectopic splenic tissue exhibits diverse morphology, posing diagnostic challenges.
• Awareness of mimic patterns is essential for pathologists.
• CD8 immunostaining is a reliable diagnostic tool for ectopic splenic tissue.