Thoracic splenosis

Case contributed by Stefan Tigges
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Status post splenectomy following motor vehicle collision about 25 years prior.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Soft tissue mass projects over left lower lobe.

ct

Multiple enhancing left pleural-based masses and nodules. Absent spleen.

Nuclear medicine

Technetium 99m labeled sulfur colloid scan shows normal liver sulfur colloid uptake and absent spleen. Multiple foci of increased uptake in the left paravertebral region, left hemithorax, left paracolic gutter, left anterior hemipelvis, and mesentery compatible with splenosis.

Case Discussion

Thoracic splenosis is an uncommon cause of pleural-based nodules/masses but should be considered if there is a history of prior abdominal/splenic trauma. Most cases are asymptomatic. If necessary, the diagnosis can be confirmed with a tagged heat-damaged red cell study or a technetium 99m labeled sulfur colloid scan.

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