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. 2015:12:23-5.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2015.05.009. Epub 2015 May 8.

Accessory spleen in the pelvis: A case report

Mine Islimye Taskin  1 , Banu Guleç Baser  2 , Ertan Adali  2 , Erdoğan Bulbul  3 , Engin Uzgoren  4
Affiliations

Accessory spleen in the pelvis: A case report

Mine Islimye Taskin et al. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2015.

Abstract

Introduction: Accessory Spleen (AS) is a very rare entity and usually near the spleen's hilum and in the tail of the pancreas. Pelvis reported as an atypical and a rare localization. AS may be formed during embryonic life, they rise from the left side of the dorsal mesogastrium as a result of imperfect fusion of separate splenic masses.

Presentation of case: We report a case of an AS presenting as an left adnexal mass in a middle-aged woman. Transvaginal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a left adnexial mass. Laparatomy was performed, and histological examination revealed that resected mass was splenic tissue.

Discussion: An AS is an incidental finding of no clinical significance in most patients. AS are generally determined during radiological investigations or during open or laparoscopic surgeries. When, the AS settle in the adnexal area; the differential diagnosis could include the causes of adnexal masses like enlarged lymph nodes, subserous fibroid, ovarian tumors, organized hematoma, tuboovarian abscess.

Conclusion: Althought pelvic accessory spleen is a rare condition, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of adnexal masses.

Keywords: Accessory spleen; Adnexal mass; Histopathology.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
MRI examination. A solid mass (white arrow) at the left of the pelvis is detected in a T1 weighted coronal MR image. The mass is slightly hyperintense to adjacent muscles. The surrounding fat tissue is heterogeneous and the lymph node (short arrow) is seen adjacent to the mass. The rectum (star) is displaced to the right.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Macroscopic appearance of the mass. Spherical, firm, and pinkish mass, 5.5 × 5 × 5 cm.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
White and red pulp of splenic tissue (Hematoxylin & Eosin, ×10).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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