Outcomes of partial splenic embolization in patients with massive splenomegaly due to idiopathic portal hypertension

AIM To determine the outcomes of partial splenic em-bolization(PSE) for massive splenomegaly due to idiopathic portal hypertension(IPH).METHODS In this prospective study, we evaluated the charac-teristics and prognosis of consecutive patients with IPH who underwent PSE for all indications at a single medical center between June 2009 and January 2015. The inclusion criteria were: presence of hypersplenism, massive splenomegaly, and resultant pancytopenia. The exclusion criteria were: presence of other diseases causing portal hypertension. During the post-PSE period, the patients were hospitalized. All patients underwent abdominal computed tomography imaging 4 wk post-PSE to determine total splenic and non-infarcted splenic volumes.RESULTS A total of 11 patients, with median age of 33.27 ± 4.8 years, were included in the study. Mean spleen size was 22.9 cm(21-28 cm), and severe hypersplenismwas diagnosed in all patients before PSE. Post-PSE, leukocyte and platelet counts increased significantly, reaching peak levels in the second week with gradual decreases thereafter. Liver function tests did not exhibit significant changes during post-intervention follow-up. All patients developed post-embolization syndrome, and one patient experienced serious complications; all complications were successfully treated with conservative therapy and no death occurred. CONCLUSION Our findings showed that PSE has a lower complication rate than previously-reported surgical complication rates, which supports this intervention as a viable alternative for high-risk operable patients with severe hypersplenism.

Simultaneous partial splenectomy during liver transplantation for advanced cirrhosis patients combined with severe splenomegaly and hypersplenism

BACKGROUND The most effective treatment for advanced cirrhosis and portal hypertension is liver transplantation(LT).However,splenomegaly and hypersplenism can persist even after LT in patients with massive splenomegaly.AIM To examine the feasibility of performing partial splenectomy during LT in patients with advanced cirrhosis combined with severe splenomegaly and hypersplenism.METHODS Between October 2015 and February 2019,762 orthotopic LTs were performed for patients with end-stage liver diseases in Tianjin First Center Hospital.Eighty-four cases had advanced cirrhosis combined with severe splenomegaly and hypersplenism.Among these patients,41 received partial splenectomy during LT(PSLT group),and 43 received only LT(LT group).Patient characteristics,intraoperative parameters,and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively analyzed and compared between the two groups.RESULTS The incidence of postoperative hypersplenism(2/41,4.8%)and recurrent ascites(1/41,2.4%)in the PSLT group was significantly lower than that in the LT group(22/43,51.2%;8/43,18.6%,respectively).Seventeen patients(17/43,39.5%)in the LT group required two-stage splenic embolization,and further splenectomy was required in 6 of them.The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the PSLT group(8.6±1.3 h;640.8±347.3 mL)were relatively increased compared with the LT group(6.8±0.9 h;349.4±116.1 mL).The incidence of postoperative bleeding,pulmonary infection,thrombosis and splenic arterial steal syndrome in the PSLT group was not different to that in the LT group,respectively.CONCLUSION Simultaneous PSLT is an effective treatment and should be performed in patients with advanced cirrhosis combined with severe splenomegaly and hypersplenism to prevent postoperative persistent hypersplenism.

Laparoscopic versus Open Splenectomy and Devascularization for Massive Splenomegaly Due to Portal Hypertension

Although the clinical benefit of laparoscopic splenectomy and devascularization（LSD） has been elaborated in many studies,its application in massive splenomegaly remains controversial.We conducted a retrospective research to assess the curative efficacy of LSD for massive splenomegaly due to portal hypertension.Forty-seven patients with massive splenomegaly due to portal hypertension were enrolled in this study,and divided into two groups.Twenty-one patients underwent open splenectomy and devascularization（OSD） from June 2010 to October 2012（OSD group）.From March 2013 to February 2015,LSD was performed on 26 patients（LSD group）.Perioperative variables were analyzed.Compared to OSD,LSD was associated with less blood loss（241.9±110.0 m L vs.319.0±139.5 m L,P〈0.05）,more rapid resumption of oral diet（2.46±0.95 days vs.3.76±1.09 days,P〈0.05）,and shorter postoperative hospital stay（5.35±1.65 days vs.7.24±1.55 days,P〈0.05）.It was concluded that for patients with massive splenomegaly due to portal hypertension,LSD is feasible and as safe as OSD.

Effect of Spleen Lymphocytes on the Splenomegaly in Hepatocellular Carcinoma-bearing Mice

Objective To study the effect of spleen lymphocytes on the splenomegaly by hepatocellular carcinoma-bearing mouse model. Methods Cell counts, cell cycle distribution, the percentage of lymphocytes subsets and the levels of iL-2 were measured, and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis （2-DE） was used to investigate the relationship between spleen lymphocytes and splenomegaly in hepatocellular carcinoma-bearing mice. Results Compared with the normal group, the thymus was obviously atrophied and the spleen was significantly enlarged in the tumor-bearing group. Correlation study showed that the number of whoJe spleen cells was positively correlated with the splenic index. The cell diameter and cell-cycle phase distribution of splenocytes in the tumor-bearing group showed no significant difference compared to the normal group. The percentage of CD3＋ T lymphocytes and CD8＋ T lymphocytes in spleen and peripheral blood of tumor-bearing mice were substantially higher than that in the normal mice. Meanwhile, the IL-2 level was also higher in the tumor-bearing group than in the normal group. Furthermore, two dysregulated protein, β-actin and .S100-A9 were identified in spleen lymphocytes from H22-bearing mice, which were closely related to cellular motility. Conclusion It is suggested that dysregulated β-actin and S100-A9 can result in recirculating T lymphocytes trapped in the spleen, which may explain the underlying cause of splenomegaly in H22-bearing mice.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy is a useful surgical treatment method for patients with excessive splenomegaly: A metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy(HALS) can help overcome the drawbacks of laparoscopic splenectomy(LS) while maintaining its advantages.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and advantages of HALS for splenomegaly.METHODS The relevant literature was reviewed using the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane,Ovid Medline, and Wanfang databases to compare the clinical outcomes of HALS and LS. Odds ratios or mean differences were calculated with 95% confidence intervals for fixed-effects and random-effects models. Overall, 754 patients from16 trials who met the inclusion criteria were selected.RESULTS In pure splenectomy, blood loss volume(P < 0.001) and conversion rate(P =0.008) were significantly lower in the HALS group than in the LS group.Conversely, for splenomegaly, the operative time(P = 0.04) was shorter and blood loss volume(P < 0.001) and conversion rate(P = 0.001) were significantly lower in the HALS group than in the LS group. However, no significant difference was observed in hospital stay length, blood transfusion, time to food intake, complications, or mortality rate between the two groups. Moreover, in splenectomy and devascularization of the upper stomach(DUS), the operative time(P = 0.04) was significantly shorter and blood loss volume(P < 0.001) andconversion rate(P = 0.05) were significantly lower in the HALS + DUS group than in the LS + DUS group. However, no significant difference was observed in hospital stay length, timing of diet, and complications between the two groups.CONCLUSION HALS is an ideal surgical treatment method for splenomegaly because it can maximize the benefits for patients while maintaining the advantages of LS.

Liver cirrhosis and splenomegaly associated with Schistosoma mansoni in a Sudanese woman in Malaysia:A case report

We report a case of a patient with Schistosoma mansoni infection who presented with liver cirrhosis and splenomegaly.She was diagnosed by a serological test and Kato-Katz thick smear stool examination.The patient was a 52-year-old woman from Sudan who came to Malaysia for a week to visit her sons.The patient lives in the middle of Rabak region,Sudan,a highly endemic area for schistosomiasis where her daily routine includes rearing of cows and farming.The site of toilet and sources of drinking water are canals and wells;both infested with snails.Patient had a long history of exposure and coming into contact with water from these canals and wells.

Massive Splenomegaly in Pregnancy: Case Report

A 33-year-old primigravida presented to an appointment at a high-risk prenatal outpatient service due to a history of splenomegaly. Her spleen occupied of the abdominal cavity and shifted the uterus to the right side of the abdomen. During investigation, an intrauterine growth restriction (IURG) and a series of other clinical complications were discovered. We admitted her to inpatient care at 28 + 1 weeks’ gestation for a better investigation of her extensive splenomegaly and for pregnancy monitoring, with a further successful delivery.

Splenomegaly, hypersplenism, and hereditary disorders with splenomegaly

Splenomegaly, sometimes of massive extent, occurs in a large number of hereditary diseases, some relatively prevalent and others, rare to ultra-rare. Because physicians are often unfamiliar with the less common disorders, patients may suffer because of diagnostic delay or diagnostic error and may undergo invasive, non-innocuous procedures such as splenectomy that are potentially avoidable were the correct diagnosis suspected. In this review article, we discuss the definition and clinical ramifications of “massive” splenomegaly and describe several rare genetic disorders that are sometimes associated with marked splenic enlargement as well as four additional hereditary “splenomegalic” lysosomal storage diseases (cholesterol esterase storage disease, Niemann-Pick C disease, acid sphingomyelinase deficiency disease, Gaucher disease) in which approved or promising experimental treatments should generally obviate the need for palliative splenectomy. We also summarize current concepts about the appropriate use of splenectomy in patients with β-thalassemia, hereditary spherocytosis and Gaucher disease and discuss surgical alternatives to classical total splenectomy for these disorders.

Factors Associated with Splenomegaly amongst Patients with Sickle Cell Disease in Cameroon

Introduction: Sickle cell disease is the most common hemoglobinopathy in the world. Sickle cells are quickly fixed and destroyed by the elements of the reticuloendothelial system mainly in the spleen. It leads to a palpable increase in the volume of the spleen called splenomegaly. Splenomegaly is the cause of multiple complications that are relatively frequent and potentially serious in sickle cell disease, such as splenic sequestration seizures, spleen rupture, hypersplenism and splenic abscesses. We aimed at determining the prevalence of splenomegaly and to study the associated factors in patients with sickle cell disease. Materials and Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study, conducted from 1 January to 30 April 2019, at the Mother and Child Center of the Chantal BIYA Foundation. Patients were grouped into two groups: patients with splenomegaly (PS1) and patients without splenomegaly (PS0). As soon as we obtained the informed consent of the parents, we examined the children and recorded socio-demographic data, disease history and follow-up, documented complications, and clinical findings;then we performed the Rapid Malaria Diagnostic Test. The statistical analyzes were carried out using SPSS20 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) and Microsoft Excel 2010 software. Results: We examined 403 children with sickle cell disease and 142 had splenomegaly (35%). Almost all of the study populations were homozygous SS. The Hackett 2 stage of splenomegaly was the most frequent (56.7%). The most common physical sign among PS1 was the presence of abdominal scarring (50.7% vs. 19.4%). PS1 had significantly lower levels of Hb (6.94 ± 1.67 vs 7.62 ± 1.43 p = 0.003) and platelets (297.45 ± 146.25 vs 398.70 ± 163.73 p < 0.001) than patients without splenomegaly (PS0). However, the percentages of HbF (21.78 ± 10.48 vs 15.66 ± 9.20 p < 0.001) and malaria infection (74.6% vs 17.2% p < 0.001) were statistically higher among PS0. Logistic regression analysis determined that the factors associated with splenomegaly were: malaria, high fetal hemoglobin, low hemoglobin S, hepatomegaly, thrombocytopenia and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Conclusion: Splenomegaly is a frequent physical sign of sickle cell disease in children and factors associated are malaria, high hemoglobin F, low hemoglobin S, hepatomegaly, thrombocytopenia and NSAID use.

Cold Agglutinin Disease Prevalence and Immunoglobulin M levels in Patients with Splenomegaly from Endemic Areas for Malaria in Rwanda

Background: Inhabitants from malaria endemic zones often present with enlarged spleen, mainly due to hyper reactive malarial splenomegaly (HMS), and it is seen more commonly associated with elevated levels of Immunoglobulin M (IgM). Cold agglutinin disease is an acquired autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) that is usually due to cold-reacting IgM autoantibodies directed against red cell antigens. The study was conducted in response to the observed high frequency of transfusion dependent anemia in patients with splenomegaly from malaria endemic zones in southern province of Rwanda. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of cold agglutinin disease and to assess the distribution of IgM antibodies among these patients. Methodology: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted over a period of six months from June 2016 to December 2016. The study enrolled adult population from malaria endemic areas of the southern province of Rwanda with unexplained splenomegaly. Blood samples for testing IgM levels, cold agglutinin, FBC, and markers of hemolysis were collected from peripheral health settings and analyzed at the laboratory of Butare University Teaching Hospital. Results: During the study period, we enrolled 188 participants with enlarged spleen. One hundred twenty-five (66%) were females and 34% were males. The mean (±SD) age of the study participants was 35.6 ± 15.2 years. Out of 188 participants, only 4.8% were found with significantly positive Cold Agglutinin Titer (CAT) (≥1:64) and 84% of participants were found to have elevated serum IgM level. Hemoglobin level, white blood count and platelets count decrease with severity of splenomegaly, while IgM level increases with spleen size. Conclusion: Among patients with splenomegaly from malaria endemic areas, IgM levels correlate with the stages of splenomegaly while cold agglutinin disease plays a small role in the etiology of anemia.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy for splenomegaly:a comparative study with conventional laparoscopic splenectomy

Background Laparoscopic splenectomy （LS） has been considered as the standard approach to remove a normal-sized spleen, but it is facing technical challenges when applied to splenomegaly. Hand-assisted laparoscopic technique was designed to facilitate the performance of difficult laparoscopic procedure. This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy and superiority of hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy （HALS） for splenomegaly. Methods From November 1994 to January 2006, 36 patients with splenomegaly （final spleen weight 〉700 g） were treated with laparoscopic operations for splenectomy in our hospital. Conventional LS was performed in 16 patients （7 men and 9 women, group 1） and HALS in the other 20 patients （12 men and 8 women, group 2）. The patients＇ features, intraoperative details and the postoperative outcomes in the both groups were compared. Results The both groups were comparable in the terms of patient＇s age （（38±12） years vs （43±14）years, P〉0.05）, the greatest splenic diameter （（24±5）cm vs （27±7）cm, P〉0.05）, preoperative platelet count （（118±94）×10^9/L vs （97±81）×10^9/L P〉0.05） and diagnosis. Compared with LS group, operation time （（195±71） minutes vs （141±64） minutes, P〈0.05） was shorter, intraoperative blood loss （（138±80）ml VS （86±45）ml, P〈0.05） and conversion rate （4/16 vs 0/20, P〈0.05） were lower, but hospital stay （（5.3±3.8） days vs （7.4±1.6） days, P〈0.05） was longer in HALS group. There was no significant difference in the aspects of intraoperative and postoperative complication rate （2/16 vs 0/20, P〉0.05） or recovery time of gastrointestinal function （（16.3±11.6） hours vs （18.7±8.1）hours, p〉0.05） between the two groups. Conclusions In the cases of splenomegaly, HALS significantly facilitates the surgical procedure and reduces the operational risk, while maintaining the advantages of conventional LS. HALS is more feasible and more effective than conventional LS for the removal of splenomegaly of splenomegaly.

The learning curve for laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly： a single surgeon＇s experience

Background Laparoscopic splenectomy （LS） for massive splenomegaly is more technically challenging than for a normal-sized spleen. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of operative experience on perioperative outcomes of LS for massive splenomegaly. Methods Between January 2008 and December 2010, 36 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with massive splenomegaly underwent LS in our department. The perioperative outcomes were evaluated for evidence of a learning curve effect. Patients were divided into three groups （1, 2, and 3） of 12 consecutive patients, and outcomes of each group were compared. Results The mean operative time decreased significantly from 252 minutes of Group 1 to 179 minutes of Group 3. The estimated blood loss and length of post-operative hospital stay showed a similar trend. No significant differences were found in the splenic length and weight, transfusion rate, or average amount of drainage. In this cohort, there were three cases with surgical complications and one conversion to open laparotomy. Conclusions The first 24 cases constitute the early stage of the learning curve for LS for massive splenomegaly. LS for massive splenomegaly is a technically challenging operation with a long learning curve, and strategies for developing training programs must address these challenges.

Coenzyme Q_(10) prevented full blown splenomegaly and decreased melarsoprol-induced reactive encephalopathy in mice infected with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense

Objective:To establish the modulatory effects of coenzyme Q_(10)on experimental trypanosome infections in mice and evaluate the risk of occurrence and severity of melarsoprol-induced post treatment reactive encephalopathy(PTRE).Methods:Female Swiss white mice were orally administered with 200 mg/kg of coenzyme Q_(10)after which they were intraperitoneally inoculated with Trypanasoma brucei rhodesiense(T.b.rhodesiense).The resultant infection was allowed to develop and simulate all phases of human African trypanosomiasis and PTRE.Parasitaemia development,packed cell volume,haematological and pathological changes were determined.Results:A histological study in the brain tissue of T.b.rhodesiense infected mice demonstrated neuroinflammatory pathology which was highly amplified in the PTRE-induced groups.A prominent reduction in the severity of the neuroinflammatory response was detected when coenzyme-Q_(10)was administered.Furthermore,the mean tissue weight of spleen to body ratio in coenzyme Q_(10)supplemented group was significantly(P<0.05)different compared to un-supplemented groups,and clearly indicated that coenzyme Q_(10)prevented full blown splenomegaly pathogenesis by T.b.rhodesiense.A significant(P<0.05)increase in hemoglobin levels and red blood cells was observed in coenzyme Q_(10)mice compared to those infected and un-supplemented with coenzyme Q_(10).Conclusions:The capacity of coenzyme Q_(10)to alter the pathogenesis of T.b.rhodesiense infection in mice and following treatment with melarsoprol,may find application by rendering humans and animals less susceptible to deleterious effects of trypanosome infection such as splenomegaly and melarsoprol-induced PTRE and neurotoxicity.

Niemann-Pick A/B Disease in a 13-Year-Old Child and Review of the Literature

Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) refers to a group of patients who have varying degrees of lipid storage and foam cell infiltration in tissues, as well as overlapping clinical features, including hepatosplenomegaly, insufficiency pulmonary and/or central nervous system (CNS). Thanks to the pioneering work of Roscoe Brady and colleagues, we now know that there are two distinct metabolic abnormalities that explain NPD. The first is due to the deficient activity of the acid sphingomyelinase enzyme (ASM;NPD “types A and B”), and the second is due to defective functioning in the transport of cholesterol (NPD “type C”). We report the case of a 13-year-old adolescent diagnosed with Niemann-Pick A/B disease.

Laparoscopic splenectomy:Current concepts

Since early 1990's,when it was inaugurally introduced,laparoscopic splenectomy has been performed with excellent results in terms of intraoperative and postoperative complications.Nowadays laparoscopic splenectomy is the approach of choice for both benign and malignant diseases of the spleen.However some contraindications still apply.The evolution of the technology has allowed though,cases which were considered to be absolute contraindications for performing a minimal invasive procedure to be treated with modified laparoscopic approaches.Moreover,the introduction of advanced laparoscopic tools for ligation resulted in less intraoperative complications.Today,laparoscopic splenectomy is considered safe,with better outcomes in comparison to open splenectomy,and the increased experience of surgeons allows operative times comparable to those of an open splenectomy.In this review we discuss the indications and the contraindications of laparoscopic splenectomy.Moreover we analyze the standard and modified surgical approaches,and we evaluate the short-term and long-term outcomes.

Laparoscopic splenectomy for a littoral cell angioma of the spleen: Case report

A littoral cell angioma(LCA) is a primary vascular tumor of the spleen, that can have malignant potential and may present association with other malignancies. This is a case of LCA that was discovered incidentally in a 79-year-old woman who presented with a polycythemia at the time of consultation. The neoplasm was evaluated by ultrasound and computed tomography. The patient underwent a splenectomy that revealed LCA by pathological evaluation. The post-operative outcome was favorable with no complications or recurrent disease. This case presentation, clinical, radiographic, and pathological features of an uncommon splenic tumor can be studied in order to advance our knowledge in our understanding of LCA.

Laparoscopic splenectomy for histiocytic sarcoma of the spleen

Primary histiocytic sarcoma of the spleen is a rare but potentially lethal condition. It can remain asymptomatic or only mildly symptomatic for a long time. An 81-year-old woman presented with an extremely enlarged spleen. She suffered from progressive anemia and required a red blood cell transfusion once a month. Although computed tomography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed for diagnosis, a confirmed diagnosis was not obtained. Her enlarged spleen compressed her stomach, and she suffered from gastritis and a sense of gastric fullness just after meals. She underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Her postoperative course was uneventful. After surgery, her red blood cell and platelet counts increased markedly. The tumor was diagnosed as splenic histiocytic sarcoma. Post-surgical chemotherapy was not performed, and the patient died of liver failure due to liver metastasis 5 mo after surgery. Laparoscopic splenectomy is minimally invasive and useful for the relief of symptoms related to hematological disorders. However, in cases of an enlarged spleen, optimal views and working space are limited. In such cases, splenic artery ligation can markedly reduce the size of the spleen, thus facilitating the procedure. The case reported herein suggests that laparoscopic splenectomy may be useful for the treatment of splenic malignancy.

Color Doppler sonography and angioscintigraphy in hepatic Hodgkin's lymphoma

AIM： To estimate the characteristics of Color Doppler findings and the results of hepatic radionuclide angiography （HRA） in secondary Hodgkin＇s hepatic lymphoma. METHODS： The research included patients with a diagnosis of Hodgkin＇s lymphoma with metastatic focal lesions in the liver and controls. Morphologic characteristics of focal liver lesions and hemodynamic parameters were examined by pulsed and Color Doppler in the portal, hepatic and splenic veins were examined. Hepatic perfusion index （HPI） estimated by HRA was calculated. was observed. Lesions were mostly hypoechoic and mixed, solitary or multiple. Some of the patients presented with dilated splenic veins and hepatofugal blood flow. A pulse wave was registered in the centre and at the margins of lymphoma. The average velocity of the pulse wave was higher at the margins （P 〉 0.05）. A continuous venous wave was found only at the margins of lymphoma. There was no linear correlation between lymphoma size and velocity of pulse and continuous wave （r = 390, P 〈 0.01）. HPI was significantly lower in patients with lymphomas than in controls （P 〈 0.05）, pointing out increased arterial perfusion in comparison to portal perfusion. CONCLUSION： Color Doppler ultrasonography is a sensitive method for the detection of neovascularization in Hodgkin＇s hepatic lymphoma and estimation of its intensity. Hepatic radionuclide angiography can additionally help in the assesment of vascularisation of liver lesions.

Severe thrombocytopenia before liver transplantation is associated with delayed recovery of thrombocytopenia regardless of donor type

AIM： To compare the recovery of thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly during long-term follow-up after liver transplantation in patients receiving a living donor transplant or a cadaveric donor transplant. METHODS： This was a retrospective cohort study of 216 consecutive liver transplant patients who survived for 〉 6 mo after transplantation; 169 received a liver transplant from a living donor and 47 from a cadaveric donor. The platelet counts or spleen volumes were examined before transplant, i, 6, and 12 mo after transplant, and then annually until 5 years after transplant. RESULTS： The mean follow-up period was 49 mo （range, 21-66）. Platelet counts increased continuously for 5 years after orthotopic liver transplant. The restoration of platelet counts after transplant was significantly slower in patients with severe pretransplant thrombocytopenia （〈 50000/μL） until 4 years after transplant （P = 0.005）. Donor type did not significantlyaffect the recovery of platelet count and spleen volume in either patient group. In multivariate analysis, pretransplant severe thrombocytopenia （〈 50000/μL） was an independent factor associated with sustained thrombocytopenia （P 〈 0.001, odds ratio 6.314; confidence interval, 2.828-14.095）. Thrombocytopenia reappeared after transplant in seven patients with portal flow disturbance near the anastomosis site. CONCLUSION： Our study suggests that severe thrombocytopenia before transplant is closely associated with delayed recovery of platelet count after transplant and donor type did not affect the recovery of thrombocytopenia. The reappearance of thrombocytopenia after transplant should be considered a possible indicator of flow disturbance in the portal vein.

Multiple primary malignancies-hepatocellular carcinoma combined with splenic lymphoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours,while primary splenic lymphoma is a rare malignancy.Thus,cases of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)combined with splenic lymphoma are extremely rare.CASE SUMMARY We present a 62-year-old woman who was admitted to the Interventional Radiology Department with a lump in the spleen and liver as well as multiple enlarged lymph nodes visible by ultrasound.Contrast-enhanced computed of the abdomen revealed a circular,low-density,shallow mass(approximately 2.6 cm in diameter)in the left intrahepatic lobe and multiple round,low-density shadows in the spleen with clear boundaries(maximum diameter 7.6 cm).Based on the characteristic clinical symptoms and explicit radiological findings,the clinical diagnosis was HCC with metastasis to the liver portal,retroperitoneal lymph nodes,and spleen.After transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and sequential radiofrequency ablation,the-fetoprotein level returned to the normal range,and the hepatitis B cirrhosis improved.In addition,splenic tumour biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of primary malignant lymphoma,which went into remission after chemotherapy.CONCLUSION HCC with primary splenic non-Hodgkin lymphoma is extremely rare and easily misdiagnosed.Better understanding would facilitate early diagnosis,treatment and prognosis.