Intrahepatic splenosis: imaging features

Abdom Imaging. 2000 Mar-Apr;25(2):187-9. doi: 10.1007/s002619910042.

Abstract

We report a patient who presented with asymptomatic focal liver lesions and in whom a diagnosis of intrahepatic splenosis was made. This rare condition mostly occurs in patients who previously underwent splenic trauma or surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics suggesting this diagnosis are described. The lesions were mainly hypointense on T1- and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. After administration of small iron oxide particles (SPIO-Endorem), the lesions remained slightly hyperintense relative to the hypointense liver parenchyma but showed a 50% loss in signal intensity. Knowledge of these MRI characteristics may avoid the use of surgical interventions to arrive at the correct diagnosis of these rare liver lesions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Liver Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Splenosis / diagnosis*
  • Splenosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography