Changes in peripheral lymphocyte subsets in patients after partial microwave ablation of the spleen for secondary splenomegaly and hypersplenism: A preliminary study

Purpose: Microwave ablation therapy for secondary splenomegaly and hypersplenism has been shown to be effective from pre-clinical animal models and clinical investigations. This study was performed to determine its effects on the status of peripheral lymphocyte subsets in patients receiving microwave ablation of the spleen.

Materials and methods: Ten patients with secondary splenomegaly and hypersplenism received microwave ablation of the spleen during laparoscopy or percutaneously under ultrasound guidance. The percentage peripheral blood T cells, B lymphocytes and NK cells were measured using flow cytometry before and on days 1, 3 and 7 after therapy, as well as 1 and 3 months afterwards.

Results: Percentages of CD3⁺ and CD4⁺ cells increased rapidly 1 month after therapy. There was no significant change in CD8⁺, CD4⁺/CD8⁺ or NK cells of the pre- and post-therapy levels and B lymphocytes increased significantly after therapy. In patients with an ablation volume (AV) less than 20% (group A), T cells increased 1 month after ablation but decreased 3 months after ablation. B lymphocytes increased significantly after surgery. Levels of NK cells were lower than that before therapy on each testing. In patients with 20–40% AV (group B), levels of T cells, B lymphocytes and NK cells showed an increase. Levels of CD4⁺ cells were significantly higher in group B than in group A, 3 months after therapy.

Conclusions: Microwave ablation therapy for splenomegaly and hypersplenism appears to have a favourable effect on peripheral lymphocyte subsets. A relationship may exist between the ablation volume and the level of peripheral lymphocyte subsets.