Splenic hamartoma, vascular type, with endothelial proliferation

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Oncology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Splenic vascular tumors exhibit diverse histological presentations.
• Clinical presentation can include systemic symptoms like anemia and thrombocytopenia.

Observation:

• A 65-year-old woman presented with weight loss, anemia, and thrombocytopenia.
• Gross examination revealed a splenic tumor resembling red pulp.
• Microscopic and ultrastructural analysis showed papillary endothelial proliferation with cytoplasmic projections.

Findings:

• The splenic vascular tumor demonstrated unusual papillary endothelial cell proliferation.
• Electron microscopy revealed distinct ultrastructural features, including multiple cytoplasmic projections and sparse cell junctions.
• Despite atypical morphology, the tumor was histologically confirmed as benign.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of integrating ultrastructural findings in the diagnosis of splenic vascular tumors.
• The study provides the first ultrastructural characterization of this specific type of benign splenic vascular tumor.
• Understanding these features aids in differentiating benign from potentially malignant vascular lesions of the spleen.