Splenogonadal fusion: Report of two cases and literature review

• Published in: Journal of pediatric surgery case reports Vol. 1; no. 10; pp. 362 - 363
• Main Authors: Zhang, Xian-wei, Hou, Guang-jun, Geng, Xian-jie, Gao, Xiang-yang, Chen, Ya-jun, Fu, Li-bing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.10.2013
• Subjects: Cryptorchidism; Spleen; Splenogonadal fusion; Surgery; Testis; Spleen; Testis; Cryptorchidism; Splenogonadal fusion
• ISSN: 2213-5766; 2213-5766
• DOI: 10.1016/j.epsc.2013.09.010

Abstract Objective To suggest a reasonable consideration to avoid the maltreatment of splenogonadal fusion. Methods A 6-year-old male patient (Case 1) underwent unilateral orchiectomy for a suspected tumor of the testis. A 12-year-old male patient (Case 2) underwent bilateral groin exploration and urethroplasty. Postoperative abdominal magnetic resonance imaging revealed an oval-shaped mass in the lower pole of the left kidney and no abnormalities in the spleen. Laparoscopy was considered. Results In Case 1, a red mass was found in the upper pole of the testis; the mass occupied one-third of the testis volume. No connection with the cord was found. In Case 2, a red testis-like mass in the lower pole of the left kidney was found and resected. Orchidopexy was performed for the right testis. Postoperative pathology confirmed splenogonadal fusion. Conclusion Splenogonadal fusion is a rare congenital abnormality. Most patients undergo unnecessary orchiectomy because of suspicion of a primary testicular neoplasm. Common imaging examinations, negative serologic examinations, and 99mTc-sulphur colloid liver-spleen scans can help to achieve a diagnosis. Careful review of the chronicity of the lesion may suggest a benign growth.