Search

BACKGROUND:Nonparasitic splenic cysts (NPSCs) are uncommon lesions of the spleen, many being reported in anecdotal fashion. Early classifications of this disorder have been based on the presence or absence of an epithelial lining, indicating either a congenital or traumatic etiology. This criterion has led to confusion and mistaken reporting because the lining alone is not a reliable criterion.STUDY DESIGN:Over a 28-year period, the author has observed and studied 23 patients with NPSC. Special attention has been given to the role of trauma in the history, the nature (or absence) of a cyst lining, the gross pathology, and the preferred method of treatment.RESULTS:NPSC present as lesions with a very characteristic gross appearance and lining. The trabeculated interior can be lined with epidermoid, transitional, or mesothelial epithelium. Desquamation of the lining can lead to a spurious diagnosis, but careful search usually discloses the lining remnant. Although most NPSC in this series were treated by open partial splenectomy, the more recent approach by laparoscopic techniques offers great promise.CONCLUSIONS:A new classification of NPSC is offered, based on characteristic gross findings. NPSC are of congenital origin, with a lining derived from mesothelium. Trauma does not play a primary role in pathogenesis. Cysts that are symptomatic or over 5 cm in diameter should be removed by partial splenectomy or near-total cystectomy “decapsulation,” either by the open or laparoscopic approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Splenic metastases from solid tumors are unusual with only scattered case reports of patients treated with splenectomy before 1987. We conducted a retrospective chart review at our large tertiary-care private teaching hospital between January 1990 and September 1999 and found splenic metastases in 31 patients. In eight patients (26%), the spleen was the only site of metastatic disease. Of the 31 splenectomies for metastases, 23 were performed for ovarian neoplasms, five during primary operative procedures, and 18 during secondary cytoreductive procedures or explorations for late recurrences at an average of 3.9 years after the original operation. Nearly half of the metastases (15 of 31) appeared entirely within the splenic parenchyma, representing probable hematogenous spread, whereas seven involved both the splenic parenchyma and capsule and nine involved the capsule only. Between 1990 and 1999 we identified a statistically significant increase in use of splenectomy for treatment of metastatic tumor with a Spearman rank correlation value of 0.86 (P < 0.05). Most of this increase was attributable to ovarian cancer cases and may be due to expansion of treatment options or improved imaging methods. We report the largest series of splenectomy for splenic metastases and the ninth case report in the world literature of splenectomy for isolated splenic metastasis due to colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a retrospective chart review of selected patients with pathologic diagnosis of splenic infarction seen at metropolitan private teaching hospital. Variables analyzed; Symptoms of the disease; Surgical complications of splenic infarction.