Reversible functional asplenia in chronic aggressive hepatitis.

A 61-year-old man presented with aggressive hepatitis. Howell-Jolly bodies were present in circulating erythrocytes and the spleen failed to accumulate intravenously administered Tc-99 m sulfur colloid. The patient thus demonstrated functional asplenia. He was treated with high doses of steroids. Four years later, Howell-Jolly bodies were no longer present in circulating erythrocytes. In addition, the spleen had regained the ability to accumulate intravenously injected radiocolloid. Hence, the patient had reversed his functional asplenia. The reported cases of this disorder (reversible functional asplenia) were reviewed and a preliminary classification was proposed.