Intrahepatic accessory spleen: imaging features

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• A 60-year-old male patient with a history of chronic hepatitis presented with an unidentified hepatic mass.
• Diagnostic challenges in differentiating liver lesions necessitate comprehensive imaging and biopsy techniques.

Observation:

• The patient underwent extensive diagnostic evaluations including ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, with and without contrast agents.
• An ultrasound-assisted percutaneous liver lesion biopsy was performed for definitive diagnosis.

Findings:

• Imaging revealed a distinct intrahepatic mass.
• Histopathological analysis confirmed the lesion to be an intrahepatic accessory spleen.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering rare anatomical variations, such as accessory spleens, in the differential diagnosis of hepatic masses.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management and avoiding unnecessary interventions.