Accessory splenectomy in the management of recurrent immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Although splenectomy for chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is successful in the majority of patients, recurrence of thrombocytopenia may occur in association with a functional accessory spleen, sometimes years after operation. Identification and resection of the accessory spleen under these circumstances may result in a sustained remission. We describe a case of recurrent thrombocytopenia associated with an accessory spleen occurring 5 years after splenectomy in a young woman with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Accessory splenectomy was successful in producing a sustained remission.