Intrapancreatic accessory spleen imitating a pancreatic neoplasm

Accessory spleens are present in 10% of population and are formed during embryonic development. Besides the splenic hilum, the next most frequent localization of accessory spleens is the pancreatic tail. Intrapancreatic accessory spleens are usually diagnosed occasionally and make diagnostic difficulty because they imitate a pancreatic neoplasm. We present the case of a 61-year old woman with a mass in the pancreatic tail, diagnosed by computed tomography. The patient was operated with suspicion of neuroendocrine tumor. Postoperative histopathological examination revealed the intrapancreatic accessory spleen. We present possibilities of differential diagnosis.     

Intrapancreatic accessory spleen: a differential diagnosis of pancreatic tumour

BACKGROUND: According to autoptic studies, accessory spleens may be found in 10-15% of the population and most of them are usually located at or near the splenic hilum. Only in 1-2% they are located in the pancreatic tail. We report a rare case of intrapancreatic accessory spleen which radiologically mimicked a tumor in the tail of the pancreas. PATIENT: A 54-year-old man was diagnosed with a tumor at the pancreatic tail. In the preoperative computed tomography (CT), there was a lesion (2.6 cm in diameter) in the pancreatic tail and two locoregional lesions (1 and 1.5 cm in diameter), which had intensive contrast enhancement. The diagnosis of a nonfunctioning endocrine pancreatic tail carcinoma with lymph node metastasis was made. RESULTS: Intraoperative examination showed two accessory spleens nearby the pancreatic tail. As pancreatic cancer could not be excluded because of the local findings, an oncological left pancreatectomy was performed. Histological examination excluded cancer and revealed an intrapancreatic accessory spleen and two accessory spleens nearby the pancreatic tail. CONCLUSION: Intrapancreatic accessory spleen should be included in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasm.     

Hypersplenism caused by an accessory spleen mimicking an intra-abdominal neoplasm: Report of a case

Accessory spleens are usually asymptomatic, although they may cause hematological disorders associated with hypersplenism, usually after splenectomy. Moreover, cases of hypersplenism occurring secondary to enlargement of an accessory spleen with an unaltered normal spleen have been reported. An accessory spleen can also mimic an intra-abdominal neoplasm. We report a case of hypersplenism that occurred secondary to an increase in the size of the accessory spleen, which was located in the mesentery close to the cecum, mimicking recurrence of previously resected renal carcinoma.     

Laparoscopic management of accessory spleens in immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Background: A disparity exists between the incidence of accessory spleens reported in the open (15–30%) versus the laparoscopic (0–12%) literature. This disparity implies that a percentage of laparoscopic patients will require a reoperation for accessory splenectomy. We present our experience with the laparoscopic management of accessory spleens discovered after primary splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Methods: Seventeen patients who underwent primary splenectomy for ITP were reviewed (1 open, 16 laparoscopic). In the laparoscopic group, the incidence of accessory spleens was 3 in 16 (19%). In 1 of these 3 patients, the accessory spleen was found and removed at the initial operation, whereas in 2 of the 16 patients (13%), the accessory spleens were missed. A third patient, whose initial operation was open, presented with recurrent thrombocytopenia after primary splenectomy. After recurrent thrombocytopenia developed, radio nuclide spleen scans were performed showing accessory spleens in all three patients. These three patients underwent accessory splenectomy using a four-port laparoscopic approach. Results: Laparoscopic accessory splenectomy was successfully performed in all three patients. Location of accessory spleens correlated with the spleen scan in each case. Mean operation time was 180 min. There were no conversions to open surgery and no complications. All patients were discharged from the hospital on postoperation day 1. The three patients had a good clinical response and were weaned effectively from their steroid medications. Conclusions: Patients undergoing a laparoscopic splenectomy for chronic ITP have a higher probability of requiring a reoperation for a missed accessory spleen. To minimize missing an accessory spleen, a systematic search should be made at the beginning of the laparoscopic operation. We have found that preoperation imaging with heat-treated erythrocyte scans is valuable for locating accessory spleens before reoperation. When reoperation for accessory splenectomy is necessary, a laparoscopic approach is safe and effective. Received: 22 July 1998/Accepted: 13 October 1998     

Torsion of huge wandering accessory spleen. Case report and review of literature

IntroductionAccessory spleens are found in 10–15% of the population, and are even more prevalent in patients with hematological disorders (Rudowski, 1985). It infrequently may become symptomatic due to torsion, spontaneous rupture or hemorrhage which may lead to death. Torsion of an accessory spleen is extremely rare, and requires prompt medical attention [2] (Coote et al., 1999).Presentation of caseWe report the case of a 27-year-old Mediterranean lady with thalassemia trait, who presented to the emergency department with an acute surgical abdomen due to torsion of a giant accessory spleen, measuring 13 cm. She was diagnosed with the aid of ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan and was treated surgically through resection of the spleen.Discussion and conclusionTorsion of an accessory spleen is not common, and is the surgical indication in about 0.2–0.3% of splenectomies (Mortele et al., 2004). It has variable clinical presentations, and is a difficult preoperative diagnosis due to lack of specificity of symptoms. Accessory spleens are usually smaller than 3 cm, with few cases being reported as larger than 10 cm larger accessory spleens have a higher rate of torsion. Knowledge of this pathology, and familiarity with its radiological findings are fundamental to accurately diagnosing and manageming this challenging condition.     

Intrapancreatic Accessory Spleen Mimicking Endocrine Tumor of the Pancreas: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Accessory spleen is an anomaly that is observed in about 10% of individuals by the autopsy study, and most accessory spleens are located close to the splenic hilum. Although accessory spleen is a frequently encountered entity, intrapancreatic accessory spleen (IPAS) is rarely recognized radiologically and is sometimes mistaken for another type of pancreatic neoplasm. Only 10 IPAS cases surgically resected as solid pancreatic mass have been reported in the English literature. We herein report a case of IPAS mimicking an endocrine tumor of the pancreas and review of the literature.     

Die Nebenmilz im Pankreasschwanz—eine vernachlässigte Entität?

According to autoptic studies, accessory spleens may be found in 10% to 15% of the population, in 1% to 2% they are located in the pancreatic tail. They thus have to be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of intra- and peripancreatic tumorous lesions. After splenorenal fusion, they can be found pararenally and retroperitoneally, and after splenogonadal fusion they can descend into the pelvis or scrotum. Since they usually are asymptomatic, they are mostly discovered accidentally. The diagnosis is ascertained by a scintigram with technetium-99-marked, heat-damaged red blood cells. If resection is necessary, the organ adherent to the encapsulated accessory spleen should be preserved. By means of three case reports (intrapancreatic accessory spleen, retroperitoneal accessory spleen and torsion-infarcted wandering spleen), the surgical relevance of ectopic splenic tissue is discussed.     

Unusual presentation of right-side accessory spleen mimicking a retroperitoneal tumor

Abstract:   An unusual case of right-side retroperitoneal accessory spleen is presented. A 68-year-old man visited our hospital for the management of incidentally detected retroperitoneal mass. The computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed the presence of a retroperitoneal tumor (4.0 × 3.8 cm) at the right suprarenal space. Laparoscopic excision was carried out with excellent results. On histological examination, the tumor exhibited a structure typical of splenic tissue. This accessory spleen was unusual in its size and location. Though it existed at the right side, surgeons should be aware of the possible existence of accessory spleens for the differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal tumors.     

Right sided spleen laying retro-duodenal: A case report and review of the literature

IntroductionUnlike left sided accessory spleen that are seen in 10–30% of cases at autopsy, cases of right accessory spleens are extremely rare. This congenital body of healthy splenic tissue simulates tumors from neighboring organs and presents a challenge in formulating a differential diagnosis.Presentation of caseWe present the case of a patient whose CT scan of the abdomen showed a large mass, 11 × 8 cm, arising retro-duodenal and lying just anterior to the right kidney. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case where the accessory spleen was found retro-duodenal, directly anterior to the kidney and completely separate from the supra-renal gland. The chief complaint of the patient was right upper quadrant pain, radiating to the back, and colicky in nature. The patient was diagnosed with duodenal gastro-intestinal stromal tumor and a retro-peritoneal sarcoma. The mass was removed via a Kocher’s incision and immunohistological examination showed that it was a right sided accessory spleen. The patient’s left sided spleen appeared normal.DiscussionEfforts to distinguish an accessory spleen from a retroperitoneal tumor with available scans, percutaneous biopsy or biochemical tests are inconclusive. Differential diagnosis between a retroperitoneal tumor and an accessory spleen can only be made after surgical exploration.ConclusionThis case highlights the fact that surgeons should consider the possibility of an accessory spleen when making a differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal tumors.     

Handheld gamma probe used to detect accessory spleens during initial laparoscopic splenectomies

Background Preoperative determination of the accessory spleen still is a major factor in the failure of both laparoscopic and conventional techniques. This study aimed to evaluate the practicability and efficacy of a handheld gamma probe in identifying accessory spleens at the initial intervention. Methods This study evaluated 17 patients undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy attributable to benign hematologic disorders. All the patients had preoperative ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) scan, and nuclear scintigraphic examination of the abdominal cavity to assess the size of the spleen, and to determine the existence of the accessory spleen or spleens. For all the patients, a handheld gamma probe count was used intraoperatively as an adjuvant method to define the presence and location of the accessory splenic tissue. Control nuclear scintigraphic examinations of all the patients were performed 1 month after the surgical procedure. Results In two cases, intraoperatively accessory splenic tissue was detected by gamma probe, confirming the preoperative CT findings for the patients. One of these patients had three accessory spleens, although preoperative CT scan showed only two of them. However, by the help of the gamma probe, a third spleen located retroperitoneally was defined. For two patients, laparoscopic exploration and handheld gamma probe count did not identify any accessory splenic tissue, although preoperative CT scan indicated accessory spleens. For detecting accessory splenic tissue, the sensitivities of the studied techniques were 0% for ultrasonography, 75% for CT scan, 0% for preoperative nuclear scintigraphy, 75% for laparoscopic exploration, and 100% for perioperative gamma probe examination. Conclusion Preoperative imaging methods for accessory spleen determination still have limited benefits because of their limited sensitivity. Thus, the handheld gamma probe technique may be an adjuvant method for laparoscopic exploration ensuring that no accessory splenic tissue is missed during the initial surgical treatment of benign hematologic disorders.     

Heterotopic peripancreatic spleens presenting as possible tumors of the body and tail of the pancreas

Accessory spleens are found in about 10% of routine postmortem autopsies, usually near the hilum of the spleen and the tail of the pancreas. In 16% of cases, the accessory spleen may be found within the pancreatic tail.¹ Its importance arises when computed tomography (CT) scan reveals a tumor in or about the tail of the pancreas. The diagnosis of intrapancreatic accessory spleen may be suggested when the CT scan, following intravenous contrast injection, shows the mass to be enhanced in a manner characteristic of that of a spleen. Accessory spleen can be identified using technetium 99m(^99m)Tc)-labelled heated red cells or^99mTc sulfur colloid.² We report a patient with heterotopic spleens, questioned by CT scan for pancreatic tumors, but accurately diagnosed by^99mTc sulfur colloid scan.     

Accessory spleens: preoperative diagnostics limitations and operational strategy in laparoscopic approach to splenectomy in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura patients

Aim The preoperative detection of accessory spleen (AS) is still a very important and serious problem. The aim of the study was to assess the reasons for failure and the long-term results of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).Method Fifty-eight ITP patients underwent LS between June 1998 and December 2002. There were 42 women and 16 men. Preoperatively, we performed computed tomography (CT) and sonography to evaluate the size of the spleen and possibly to recognize the presence of the accessory spleens, which were found preoperatively in three cases.Results Intraoperatively, ASs were found in the course of laparoscopy in six cases overall, three preoperatively false negative. During follow-up (median time 31 months), in three patients the low platelet count was recognized, respectively after 5 months and 1.5 and 1.8 years. In all those cases scintigraphy was performed and in one case the residual accessory spleen, missed both in preoperative examination and during laparoscopy, was revealed. In two other patients, in spite of thrombocytopenia, no residual spleens were found.Conclusion We conclude that the problem of accessory spleens can be managed by careful videoscopic examination of the abdominal cavity during splenectomy, while the use of preoperative imaging techniques in detection of accessory spleens is still limited by the insufficient sensitivity of the examination.     

Accessory spleens--diagnostic and therapeutic problem of the laparoscopic splenectomy in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura patients

The preoperative detection of accessory spleens (AS) is essential in ITP patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reasons of failure and long-term results of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Thirty-four ITP patients (27 females and 7 males) underwent LS between June 1998 and January 2001. Computed Tomography (CT) and sonography (US) were performed preoperatively to evaluate the size of the spleen and to detect the presence of possible accessory spleens which were found in two cases. AS were seen during laparoscopy in three cases. During follow-up (median time = 23 months), in three patients a low platelet count was seen after 5 months, 1.5 and 1.8 years pop. In all these cases scintigraphy was performed, which revealed in one case the residual accessory spleen. In the two other patients, inspite of thrombocytopenia no residual spleens were found. The authors conclude that laparoscopic splenectomy is a safe and effective procedure in patients with ITP. The problem of accessory spleens can be managed by careful videoscopic examination of the abdominal cavity during splenectomy. The use of the preoperative imaging techniques for detection of accessory spleens is limited by the insufficient sensitivity of the examination.     

Preoperative computed tomography and scintigraphy to facilitate the detection of accessory spleen in patients with hematologic disorders

Accessory spleens of 1.5 cm in size were preoperatively identified by the combined use of computerized tomography and splenic scintigraphy in two patients with hematologic diseases. After the accessory spleen had been removed from the first patient, who had persistent hereditary spherocytosis and had undergone a splenectomy 15 months before, a postoperative decrease in hyperbilirubinemia was noted. In the other patient who had idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, a successful accessory splenectomy was done at the same time as her splenectomy, and was followed by 6 months' complete remission. These events indicate that preoperative investigations using computerized tomography and scintigraphy are indispensable for ruling out an accessory spleen in those patients for whom splenectomy needs to be done in order to alleviate hematologic disorders.     

Laparoscopic accessory splenectomy using intraoperative gamma probe guidance

In cases of accessory splenic tissue in postsplenectomy patients, it is of utmost importance to localize the accessory spleen prior to surgery. Several studies have shown the feasibility of laparoscopic resection of accessory splenic tissue using preoperative scintigraphy. We present the cases of three postsplenectomy patients with accessory splenic tissue causing relapsing hematologic disease. Accessory spleens were diagnosed and localized preoperatively by positive uptake of heat-damaged Tc99m-labeled red blood cells using scintigraphy. Two patients with relapse of immune thrombocytopenic purpura and one with hemolytic anemia underwent handheld gamma probe-assisted laparoscopic accessory splenectomy. One patient with immune thrombocytopenic purpura recovered his platelet count at 3-year follow-up. The other patient had a relapse of disease within 3 months despite successful removal of the accessory spleen. The patient with hemolytic anemia had postoperative relapse; two accessory spleens were identified on radionuclide investigation. The use of intraoperative nuclear imaging can greatly aid in localization and provide confirmation of complete laparoscopic excision of the nuclear focus. The technique is especially useful in cases of a small accessory spleen, by avoiding a major open procedure and contributing to good postoperative results.     

Preoperative computed tomography and scintigraphy to facilitate the detection of accessory spleen in patients with hematologic disorders

Accessory spleens of 1.5 cm in size were preoperatively identified by the combined use of computerized tomography and splenic scintigraphy in two patients with hematologic diseases. After the accessory spleen had been removed from the first patient, who had persistent hereditary spherocytosis and had undergone a splenectomy 15 months before, a postoperative decrease in hyperbilirubinemia was noted. In the other patient who had idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, a successful accessory splenectomy was done at the same time as her splenectomy, and was followed by 6 months' complete remission. These events indicate that preoperative investigations using computerized tomography and scintigraphy are indispensable for ruling out an accessory spleen in those patients for whom splenectomy needs to be done in order to alleviate hematologic disorders.     

Hamartomas of the spleen

A study of 12 cases of splenic hamartomas, rare benign lesions of the spleen, included one case of spontaneous rupture of a hamartoma that required emergency operation and two cases of hamartomatosis with splenomegaly. An increased incidence of accessory spleens was also noted. Therefore, although rarely symptomatic, hamartomas may occasionally be of clinical importance. Surgeons should be aware of these lesions in the differential diagnosis of splenic tumors that appear as filling defects on scintiscan or as splenic masses on abdominal exploration. Since it may also be a source of spontaneous splenic rupture, it should be considered as one of the rare causes of such an occurrence.     

Infarction of an accessory spleen causing an acute abdomen

A case is presented of a five year old girl in whom an acute surgical abdomen developed due to torsion and infarction of an accessory spleen. Other similar cases in the literature are reviewed. The incidence, location, and embryologic aspects of accessory spleens are discussed. Infarction of an accessory spleen, although rarely the cause of an acute surgical abdomen, should be considered in the differential diagnosis.     

The surgical importance of accessory spleens: With report of two cases

Two cases in which acute surgical emergencies were produced by torsion of an accessory spleen on its pedicle are presented. The importance of accessory spleens to the clinician and surgeon is emphasized. They may produce clinical manifestations by mechanical interference, by inflammation, by neoplasia or by compensatory hypertrophy following primary splenectomy. Accessory spleens occur with comparative frequency in certain locations in the abdomen and scrotum, rarely in the pancreas and liver. Their presence may be accounted for by trauma to the primary spleen with subsequent transplantation of splenic tissue or by developmental changes in embryo.     

An 18-year review of open and laparoscopic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy has become the preferred surgical procedure for the management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). However, there studies have directly compared the incidence of recurrent ITP secondary to missed accessory spleens in open versus laparoscopic splenectomy. METHODS: Open and laparoscopic splenectomies performed for ITP at 4 sites over 18 years were analyzed. The incidence of recurrent disease secondary to missed accessory spleens was compared between the open and laparoscopic splenectomy groups. RESULTS: A total of 105 splenectomies (54 open/51 laparoscopic) were performed. Accessory spleens were identified in 6 laparoscopic and 6 open cases (P = .57). Recurrent disease occurred in 27.6% of open and 14.6% of laparoscopic cases (P = .222). There were no cases of recurrent ITP secondary to a missed accessory spleen in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of missed accessory spleens causing recurrent disease is similar when splenectomy is performed either open or laparoscopically.