Radiocolloid studies of the regression of intrasplenic lesions

Five cases are presented in which intrasplenic defects, noted on Tc-99m sulfur colloid imaging, had at least partially regressed on follow-up studies. One, representing splenic trauma, reinforced the concept of the ability of the spleen to "heal" itself. A second case involved splenic invasion by direct extension of a soft tissue sarcoma. Improvement was noted after the patient was treated with chemotherapy. Three cases were related to splenic manifestations of lymphoma. Of these three patients (one each with lymphocytic, histiocytic, and mixed diffuse histiocytic lymphoma plus nodular), two showed improvement after treatment with chemotherapy alone and the third after combined chemotherapy and external radiation treatment. Return of splenic reticuloendothelial function to previously involved regions within the spleen occurred for all five patients. Comments were made as to the apparent rate of return of function.