An accessory spleen mimicking a nonfunctional adrenal tumor: a potential pitfall in the diagnosis of a left adrenal tumor

Urol Int. 2000;65(4):226-8. doi: 10.1159/000064885.

Abstract

We describe a case of accessory spleen mimicking a left adrenal tumor. A 66-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of a suspected left adrenal mass detected by US. A laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed, and examination of the surgical specimen revealed that the resected adrenal gland contained no tumorous lesion. A further investigation of the intraperitoneal space revealed an accessory spleen. This indicates that urologists should be aware of the possible existence of accessory spleens when left adrenal tumors are suspected on CT and MRI.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / pathology
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Adrenalectomy / methods
  • Aged
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Spleen / abnormalities*
  • Splenic Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed