Primary splenic angiosarcoma

JSLS. 2010 Jul-Sep;14(3):431-5. doi: 10.4293/108680810X12924466006521.

Abstract

Primary splenic angiosarcoma is a rare, aggressive malignant neoplasm arising from splenic vascular endothelium. A 70-year-old woman presented with shortness of breath and chest discomfort secondary to a left-sided pleural effusion. A thoracentesis revealed a reactive effusion suspicious for malignancy. Splenic enlargement with heterogeneous enhancement was identified on CT of the abdomen. Laboratory findings at initial presentation revealed mild anemia (10.5 g/dL) with normal platelets (300 × 10⁹/L). Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed, and a primary splenic angiosarcoma was discovered. After 2 rounds of chemotherapy, a CT scan showed progressive disease with metastasis to the liver and lung. The patient's antineoplastic regimen was switched to Ifosfamide and Doxorubicin. She is currently alive with evidence of disease at 9 months but without further progression. Primary splenic angiosarcoma is almost universally fatal despite treatment. The best chance for survival is early diagnosis and prompt splenectomy prior to splenic rupture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hemangiosarcoma / diagnosis*
  • Hemangiosarcoma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy
  • Splenectomy / methods
  • Splenic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Splenic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed