Splenosis: a review

Abstract

Splenosis is a common benign condition that occurs after splenic rupture via trauma or surgery. Splenosis is usually found incidentally and unless symptomatic, therapy is not indicated. However, since radiographically it can mimic malignancy, most patients have an extensive workup. The diagnostic method of choice is nuclear scintigraphy, specifically, a heat-damaged red blood cell scan. Splenosis usually occurs within the abdominal and pelvic cavities, but patients have been described with intrathoracic, subcutaneous, intrahepatic and intracranial lesions.