Fact-sheet: Splenosis
Updated on 09/27/2019 at 2:24 PM
View all RADEOS cases associated with this fact-sheet
Definition
- Splenosis is defined as autotransplantation of splenic tissue, following traumatic or iatrogenic (splenectomy) rupture of the Spleen
- Latency period of 3 to 45 years
- Most often located in the peritoneum
- Different from accessory spleens, which are congenital anomalies resulting from a fusion defect of the splenules (vascularized by branches of the splenic artery)
Clinical features
- Usually asymptomatic
- Pelvic locations may cause chronic pain (differential diagnosis with endometriosis)
Laboratory findings
None
CT
- Multiple nodules (up to several hundred) scattered throughout the peritoneal cavity
- Enhancement pattern identical to the Spleen
- Remember to check the splenic fossa (splenectomy highly suggestive)
MRI
- Multiple nodules (up to several hundred) scattered throughout the peritoneal cavity
- Enhancement pattern identical to the Spleen
- Remember to check the splenic fossa (splenectomy highly suggestive)
Nuclear medicine
- Can be confirmed by SPECT-CT with heat-damaged red blood cells labeled with 99mTc
Management
None
Differential diagnosis
- Mesenteric lymphadenopathy
- Pelvic endometriosis
- Accessory spleen