A CASE OF PRIMARY MALIGNANT TUMOR OF THE SPLEEN MISDIAGNOSED AS SPLENIC ABSCESS

• Published in: Nihon Rinsho Geka Gakkai Zasshi (Journal of Japan Surgical Association) Vol. 65; no. 4; pp. 1076 - 1080
• Main Authors: TSURUTA, Yutaka, SUGIHARA, Shigenori, KOBAYASHI, Hironori, YONEMITSU, Koichiro, TOYAMA, Eiichiro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan Surgical Association 2004
• ISSN: 1345-2843; 1882-5133
• DOI: 10.3919/jjsa.65.1076

We report a case of malignant tumor of the spleen which was detected during close inspection for fever of unknown origin. A 60-year-old man with lasting high fver was referred to the hospital with a suspicion of splenic abscess. Abdominal CT scan visualized a splenic tumor 14×12.5×12 cm in dimension. Abdominal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging scan and angiography offered a suspicion of splenic abscess, though a possibility of malignancy could not be ruled out. His high fever dropped by administration of antibiotics. Because the spleen was so huge, a splenectomy was carried out, when 650 ml of dark-red fluid content was aspirated. Histological examination revealed malignant tumor cells of the spleen, but no definite diagnosis was made even by immunohistochemical methods. Finally unknown malignant tumor of the spleen was diagnosed. He died of liver metastasis 4 months after the operation.