Peliosis of the Spleen Associated with a Paraganglioma

Abstract

We report a case of splenic peliosis imitating metastases on CT. The patient was a 44·year·old man who previously had a retroperitoneal paraganglioma surgically removed. Peliosis must be considered a potential differential diagnosis of hypo dense foci of the spleen seen on CT.

Hepatic Peliosis Associated with a Paraganglioma

“…Peliosis means "purpura" or "extravasated blood" and refers to the macroscopic appearance of blood-filled cystic cavities [1]. Histologically, peliosis is characterized by multiple mottled bloodfilled cyst-like spaces.…”

“…This patient had history of resected retroperitoneal paraganglioma 3 years back and no other primary malignancy. Case reports of peliosis of liver and spleen associated with paraganglioma have been published before [1].…”

“…Peliosis is characterized by blood-filled thin-walled vessels/cavities with a cystic appearance often found throughout the parenchyma of the organ involved [1]. "Peliosis" is a term derived from the Greek pelios, which means "dusky" or "purple," referring to the color of the liver parenchyma with peliosis.…”

“…The lesion may be found in liver, and may be seen in the spleen, lymph nodes, and other organs (including the bone marrow, lungs, pleura, kidneys, adrenal glands, stomach, and ileum) [2]. Disseminated peliosis involving several organs has been described [1].…”

A Case of Splenic Peliosis Associated with Pathologic Rupture

“…10 There was also a report of splenic peliosis imitating metastasis on CT scan of the abdomen. 34 Concerning the management of splenic haemorrhage, for those situations caused by blunt abdominal trauma, there is a shift towards non-operative management if the patient remains haemodynamically stable. However, for cases of pathologic rupture of spleen, there is much debate.…”