Two Rare Cases of Intrathoracic Splenosis and Subcutaneous Splenosis: Spleen Scintigraphy Avoided the Need for Invasive Procedures

Abstract

Splenosis is defined as the acquired heterotopic autotransplantation of splenic tissue in other sites of the body after splenic rupture, usually due to either traumatic or iatrogenic causes. It is often found incidentally and is usually asymptomatic. These implants are not limited to the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, however, and splenosis in other locations can mimic various pathologic entities. There are several reports on abdominal splenosis, but intrathoracic and subcutaneous splenosis are rare. We report two cases of intrathoracic and subcutaneous splenosis that were diagnosed using spleen scintigraphy, avoiding the need for an invasive procedure.