[Idiopathic splenomegaly: the preliminary stage of a malignant lymphoma? Report on 2 cases]

Two patients with splenomegaly and a mild degree of hypersplenism are presented. Both underwent diagnostic splenectomy and in both the histologic examination of the spleen disclosed follicular lymphoid hyperplasia. The clinical picture and histologic findings were compatible with the diagnosis of idiopathic splenomegaly. 33 months after splenectomy a non-Hodgkin lymphoma was diagnosed in one patient. The literature on idiopathic splenomegaly is reviewed and the high incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the follow-up of such patients is pointed out.