Thoracic Splenosis Mimicking Thoracic Malignancy: 2 Cases Thoracic Splenosis

Aylin C, Ali Murat A, Melek E and Levent C
 

Department of Thoracic Surgery, Yedikule Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Turkey

^*Correspondance to: Aylin Canavar 

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Abstract:

Introduction: Thoracic splenosis is a rare condition where splenic tissue is found in the thoracic cavity following abdominal trauma. Splenocytes traverse the diaphragm and implant in the chest, growing into visible splenic tissue. This report presents two cases of thoracic splenosis after trauma. Methods: Case 1: A 51-year-old male with a history of splenectomy 25 years ago presented with a mass in the left hemithorax on chest X-ray. CT and PET-CT scans suggested thoracic splenosis. Case 2: A 58-year-old male with a history of splenectomy 25 years ago presented with chest pain and multiple nodular lesions in the left hemithorax on CT. Both patients underwent Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) with samples taken for analysis. Results: Case 1: VATS revealed a 4 cm mass adherent to the left lower lobe pleura and smaller nodules on the diaphragm. The mass was excised, confirming thoracic splenosis. The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. Case 2: VATS found hemorrhagic nodules on the diaphragmatic and mediastinal surfaces. One nodule, initially suspected to be malignant, was excised and confirmed as ectopic splenic tissue. The patient was discharged on the second postoperative day. Discussion: Thoracic splenosis should be considered in patients with a history of splenectomy and thoracoabdominal trauma presenting with thoracic masses. It can mimic malignancy, requiring extensive imaging and surgical intervention for diagnosis. Minimally invasive procedures like VATS are preferred. Conclusion: Thoracic splenosis is rare but significant, often mimicking thoracic malignancies. Accurate diagnosis is essential, especially in patients with trauma history. Minimally invasive surgery, such as VATS, should be used for diagnostic purposes.

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Cite the Article:

Aylin C, Ali Murat A, Melek E, Levent C. Thoracic Splenosis Mimicking Thoracic Malignancy: 2 Cases Thoracic Splenosis. Clin Case Rep Int. 2024; 8: 1695.