A case of splenosis masquerading as endometriosis

Splenosis represents the autotransplantation of splenic tissue after splenic trauma or surgery. Characterized by bluish implants diffusely scattered throughout the peritoneal cavity, splenosis is frequently mistaken for endometriosis. A 19-year-old woman was referred for "extensive endometriosis" found at diagnostic laparoscopy by her gynecologist. After extensive resection of peritoneal, pelvic, and intestinal implants of typical and "atypical" endometriosis, the "atypical" endometriosis was reported by the pathologist to be splenosis. Because splenosis is not a pathologic process but may actually be beneficial to the patient, it is important to recognize splenosis and not confuse it with endometriosis, malignancy, or hemangioma.