A case of splenic hamartoma *
We reported a case of splenic hamartoma, a rare disease. A splenic tumor was detected in a 57-year-old man by abdminal ultrasonography (US) during a physical examination. and he was referred to our department. There were no symptoms and laboratory data on admission were normal. On US. the center of the tumor was hyperechoic and the marginal area was hyperechoic. Computed Tomography (CT) showed the tumor to be of low density. and it was enhanced strongly in the spleen. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disclosed a low intensity tumor on T1-weighted images and one with iso-intensity on T2-weighted images. A Gd-DPTA study showed a high intensity tumer during the carly phase, and one with iso-intensity during the late phase. A homogenous and hypcrvascular tumor was revealed by splenic angiography. The tumor was diagnosed as a hamartoma and a splenectomy was performed. The histological diagnosis was a splenic hamartoma consisting of red pulp components. After the operation. the patient recovered with no difficulties and returned to his daily activities. Although the differential diagnosis between the hamartoma and other splenie is important, there is no characteristic finding for splenic hamartoma in image diagnosis. It is considered appropriate to perform splenectomy for the purposes of both diagnosis and treatment. (Accepted on September 14, 2000) Kawasaki Igakkaishi 26(3) : 167-172, 2000
