Thoracic splenosis

Ann Thorac Surg. 1998 Aug;66(2):552-3. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(98)00506-2.

Abstract

Thoracic splenosis is a rare pathologic entity resulting from seeding of splenic tissue in the pleural cavity after thoracoabdominal trauma. A 45-year-old man with a history of splenectomy secondary to abdominal trauma presented with a left lung mass and an inconclusive tissue diagnosis after needle biopsy. Thoracic splenosis was not suspected preoperatively, considered on an intraoperative frozen section, and established on permanent pathologic biopsy specimens obtained during thoracotomy. A history of thoracoabdominal trauma, combined with radiologic and radionuclide imaging studies, may establish the diagnosis without thoracotomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Injuries / complications
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Splenosis / diagnosis*
  • Splenosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Splenosis / etiology
  • Thoracic Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Thoracic Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Thoracic Diseases / etiology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Wounds, Gunshot / complications