Imaging findings of splenic hamartoma

Abstract

Aim: To assess CT and MR manifestations and their diagnostic value in splenic hamartoma with review of literatures.

Methods: We described a woman who was accidentally found to have a splenic tumor by ultrasound of the abdomen. CT and MR findings of this splenic hamartoma were proved by pathology retrospectively.

Results: The CT and MR findings in this case included a ball-like mass with homogeneous mild-hypodensity lesions on non-enhanced CT scans or isointensity on T1-weighted images and mild hypointensity on T2-weighted images, progressive homogeneous enhancement on multiple-phase spiral CT and MR enhanced scans, and isodense enhancement on delayed post-contrast CT scans and obvious hyperintensity relative to the spleen on delayed MR images.

Conclusion: Splenic hamartoma has some specific radiological features. However, the diagnosis of this disease must be based on clinical features and confirmed by pathology.

Figure 1

CT scans of splenic hamartoma. A: Homogeneous mild hypodensity lesion within the spleen found by unenhanced CT scan, B: Mild-homogeneous enhancement of the mass found by enhanced CT scan on hepatic artery phase, C: Isodense tumor with normal spleen on delayed enhanced CT images.

Figure 2

MR images of splenic hamartoma. A: Round-like mass with isointensity relative to the spleen on MR T₁-weighted images, B: Mild-hypointense mass on MR T₂-weighted images, C: Diffuse heterogeneous enhancement of mass by enhanced MR scan on early portal venous phase.

Figure 3

Obviously hyperintense tumor with normal spleen on delayed enhanced MR images.

Figure 4

Red marrow tissue and some blood sinusoid structures with lymphocytes and macrophages in hamartoma. Fibrosis was remarkable. (HE, original magnification × 100).