Thoracic splenosis presenting as pulmonary space-occupying lesion.

BACKGROUND

Spleen leaves its normal anatomical position and appears in other locations, which is called ectopic spleen. It is most commonly found in the abdomen or pelvis with seeding of the peritoneum, omentum or mesentery. A few of cases of thoracic splenosis associated with traumatic diaphragmatic rupture have been reported.

CASE PRESENTATION: We make a report on a case of intrapulmonary thoracic splenosis. A 44-year-old male patient underwent splenectomy due to a high fall accident injury in 2008. After ten years, thoracic splenosis were found in the lungs and chest wall. Clinical diagnosis was unidentified masses, benign tumor of lungs and chest wall. The radiological imaging was suggestive of the thoracic splenosis, After surgery, the diagnosis of thoracic splenosis was confirmed by pathological diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracic splenosis may occur after the injury to spleen and surgical treatment may not be the preferred method for asymptomatic or less symptomatic thoracic splenosis.