Pancreatic tail splenunculus: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Mass lesions in the pancreatic tail are increasingly identified upon radiological imaging. However the diagnosis of these lesions can be challenging and impact significantly upon patient management.

Presentation of case: We report a case of an intrapancreatic accessory spleen initially diagnosed as a neuroendocrine tumour of the pancreas tail following nuclear scintigraphy.

Discussion: The investigation of solitary pancreatic tail lesions and the potential management paradigms are discussed.

Conclusion: Solitary lesions within the pancreatic tail should have splenunculus included in the differential diagnosis.

Keywords: Neuroendocrine tumour; Nuclear scintigraphy; Pancreas; Splenunculus.