Post-splenectomy splenosis presenting as hepatocellular carcinoma in the left lateral section of the liver: A case report.

INTRODUCTION

Defined as heterotrophic autotransplantation of splenic tissue after splenic trauma or surgery.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present a case of 45 years old female patient with past history of splenectomy for haemolyticanaemia. Complaining of abdominal pain the patient was investigated by abdominal CT scan which revealed a focal lesion in the left lateral section of the liver suspicious to be hepatocellular carcinoma and gall bladder stones. Serum α-fetoprotein was within normal range. Exploration revealed a well encapsulated lesion completely separable from the liver and the diaphragm. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of splenosis. Although it is a rare condition, we recommend that the diagnosis of splenosis should be put in consideration in every patient with past history of splenectomy for proper management.

DISCUSSION

Although several cases of hepatic splenosis have been reported in the literature, supra-hepatic splenosis as our case has been rarely described.

CONCLUSION

Considering patients past history of splenectomy or splenic trauma should add splenosis to the list of possible differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention.