Korean J Gastroenterol.  2006 Dec;48(6):427-430.

A Case of Splenic Pseudocyst Difficult to Differentiate from Splenic Lymphangioma

• Lee SA
• Han SY
• Lee EJ
• Kwon BP
• Koh IY
• Choi HJ
• Kim MC
• Cho JH

Abstract

Splenic pseudocyst is a rare complication of abdominal trauma. Although it is rare, splenic pseudocyst is well-documented in the literature. According to the current classification, approximately 30% of all splenic cysts or pseudocysts result from direct abdominal trauma. In addition, chronic pancreatitis leads to change of nearby organs with possible acute and chronic complications including splenic lesions. This unusual complication can occur in both emergent and nonemergent conditions. The useful diagnostic procedures to assess intrasplenic pseudocyst are sonogram, CT scan, splenic scan, and occasionally angiography. However, definite diagnosis of pseudocyst is possible only after splenectomy when the absence of epithelial lining is confirmed histologically. Splenic pseudocyst requires surgical resection. We experienced a 31-year-old man who confirmed of warmness in the left side of back with left upper quadrant abdominal pain for several months. First impression was splenic lymphangioma based on CT scan and sonogram finding. Splenectomy was performed. Microscopic examination revealed splenic pseudocyst with fibrous capsule without epithelial lining.

Keyword

Splenic pseudocyst; Splenectomy

MeSH Terms

Adult
Cysts/*diagnosis/radiography/ultrasonography
Diagnosis, Differential
Humans
Lymphangioma/diagnosis
Male
Splenectomy
Splenic Diseases/*diagnosis/radiography/ultrasonography
Splenic Neoplasms/diagnosis
Tomography, X-Ray Computed