Splenosis: Difference between revisions

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'''Splenosis''' refers to the autotransplantation of [[spleen]] tissue following a traumatic rupture or surgical removal of the spleen. This condition is often asymptomatic and is usually discovered incidentally during imaging studies or surgeries for other conditions.
{{Short description|A condition involving the autotransplantation of splenic tissue}}


==Etiology==
== Splenosis ==
[[File:Splenose.jpg|thumb|right|Splenosis nodules in the abdominal cavity]]
'''Splenosis''' is a condition characterized by the autotransplantation of splenic tissue into ectopic sites within the body, typically following splenic trauma or splenectomy. This phenomenon occurs when splenic tissue becomes dispersed and implants itself in various locations, where it can continue to function as splenic tissue.


Splenosis typically occurs following a traumatic rupture of the spleen or after [[splenectomy]] (surgical removal of the spleen). The splenic tissue implants itself in various locations within the [[abdomen]] or [[thorax]], where it continues to function.
== Pathophysiology ==
Splenosis results from the dissemination of splenic pulp into the peritoneal cavity or other areas of the body. This can occur after a traumatic rupture of the [[spleen]] or during surgical removal of the spleen, known as [[splenectomy]]. The splenic tissue fragments can implant on serosal surfaces and develop their own blood supply, allowing them to survive and function.


==Clinical Presentation==
== Clinical Presentation ==
Patients with splenosis are often asymptomatic, and the condition is usually discovered incidentally during imaging studies or surgical procedures for other reasons. In some cases, splenosis can mimic other conditions, such as [[neoplasm]]s, leading to diagnostic challenges.


Most patients with splenosis are asymptomatic. The condition is often discovered incidentally during imaging studies or surgeries for other conditions. In rare cases, patients may present with abdominal pain or discomfort.
== Diagnosis ==
The diagnosis of splenosis is typically made through imaging studies. [[Computed tomography]] (CT) and [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) can reveal the presence of ectopic splenic tissue. [[Scintigraphy]] using heat-damaged [[red blood cells]] labeled with [[technetium-99m]] is a specific diagnostic test that can confirm the presence of splenic tissue.


==Diagnosis==
== Treatment ==
 
In most cases, splenosis does not require treatment, as the ectopic splenic tissue is benign and asymptomatic. However, if splenosis causes symptoms or complications, surgical removal of the ectopic tissue may be considered.
The diagnosis of splenosis is often made incidentally during imaging studies or surgeries for other conditions. [[Computed tomography]] (CT) and [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) can be used to identify the ectopic splenic tissue. In some cases, a [[biopsy]] may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
 
==Treatment==
 
Treatment for splenosis is usually not necessary unless the patient is symptomatic. In cases where the ectopic splenic tissue is causing symptoms, surgical removal may be necessary.
 
==Prognosis==
 
The prognosis for patients with splenosis is generally good. The ectopic splenic tissue continues to function, providing some degree of immune protection.
 
==See Also==


== Related pages ==
* [[Spleen]]
* [[Spleen]]
* [[Splenectomy]]
* [[Splenectomy]]
* [[Abdomen]]
* [[Accessory spleen]]
* [[Thorax]]
* [[Computed tomography]]
* [[Magnetic resonance imaging]]
* [[Biopsy]]


[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Surgery]]
[[Category:Spleen]]
[[Category:Imaging]]
 
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Latest revision as of 03:47, 13 February 2025

A condition involving the autotransplantation of splenic tissue


Splenosis[edit]

Splenosis nodules in the abdominal cavity

Splenosis is a condition characterized by the autotransplantation of splenic tissue into ectopic sites within the body, typically following splenic trauma or splenectomy. This phenomenon occurs when splenic tissue becomes dispersed and implants itself in various locations, where it can continue to function as splenic tissue.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Splenosis results from the dissemination of splenic pulp into the peritoneal cavity or other areas of the body. This can occur after a traumatic rupture of the spleen or during surgical removal of the spleen, known as splenectomy. The splenic tissue fragments can implant on serosal surfaces and develop their own blood supply, allowing them to survive and function.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Patients with splenosis are often asymptomatic, and the condition is usually discovered incidentally during imaging studies or surgical procedures for other reasons. In some cases, splenosis can mimic other conditions, such as neoplasms, leading to diagnostic challenges.

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of splenosis is typically made through imaging studies. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can reveal the presence of ectopic splenic tissue. Scintigraphy using heat-damaged red blood cells labeled with technetium-99m is a specific diagnostic test that can confirm the presence of splenic tissue.

Treatment[edit]

In most cases, splenosis does not require treatment, as the ectopic splenic tissue is benign and asymptomatic. However, if splenosis causes symptoms or complications, surgical removal of the ectopic tissue may be considered.

Related pages[edit]