Thoracic splenosis: The scar is the clue

Thoracic splenosis is a rare condition resulting from autotransplantation of splenic tissue into the left hemithorax after remote splenic trauma. It is usually incidentally detected on chest radiography or thoracic computed tomography. A history of splenic trauma in a patient with left-sided, pleural nodules on imaging studies suggests the diagnosis. The diagnosis of splenosis may be confirmed with 99mTc sulfur colloid, 111I-labeled platelet, or 99mTc heat-damaged erythrocyte studies. We present a patient noninvasively diagnosed with thoracic splenosis 17 years after a gunshot wound that had resulted in splenectomy. Early recognition of thoracic splenosis can prevent unnecessary interventions, such biopsy or surgery. © 2008 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Duke Scholars

Author Kamran Mahmood Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine