Intrapancreatic Accessory Spleen Diagnosed As Neuroendocrine Tumor: The Dangers of False Positives and Their Implications in Subsequent Management

Simran Kripalani; Vikram Patel; Upasana Joneja; Shikha Talwar; Meet Parikh; Veniamin Barshay; Adib Chaaya

doi:10.7759/cureus.15891

Intrapancreatic Accessory Spleen Diagnosed As Neuroendocrine Tumor: The Dangers of False Positives and Their Implications in Subsequent Management

Cureus. 2021 Jun 24;13(6):e15891. doi: 10.7759/cureus.15891. eCollection 2021 Jun.

Authors

Simran Kripalani¹, Vikram Patel², Upasana Joneja³, Shikha Talwar⁴, Meet Parikh², Veniamin Barshay⁵, Adib Chaaya²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Gastroenterology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, USA.
² Department of Gastroenterology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, USA.
³ Department of Pathology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, USA.
⁴ Department of Medicine, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, USA.
⁵ Department of Radiology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, USA.

Abstract

This case serves as a reminder to consider ectopic splenic tissue in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic masses. The literature shows a lack of awareness and overtreatment of this condition due to clinical and radiologic concern for malignancy, namely neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) identified on positron emission tomography (PET)-CT NETSPOT. Given the vast difference in management and prognosis of ectopic splenic anomalies and malignant neoplasms involving the pancreas, accurate diagnosis is imperative to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures such as Whipple or distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy, which are associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: accessory spleen; net; pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor; pet-ct netspot; splenosis.

Publication types

Case Reports