Diagnosis of brain metastases from a primary hemangiosarcoma of the spleen with magnetic resonance imaging

Background. Primary malignant splenic neoplasms are rare tumors. Apart from involvement of the spleen by malignant lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma is the most common form of primary malignant neoplasm in the spleen. The diagnosis often is made at autopsy or after spontaneous splenic rupture. The prognosis is usually poor, and widespread metastases soon occur. Method. Currently, no case of metastasis to the brain has been reported to the authors' knowledge. Results. This case report describes a patient who, as the first sign of metastatic disease, had symptoms from brain metastases 3 months after splenectomy. Conclusion. Magnetic resonance imaging was diagnostic. Cancer 1993; 71:138-41.