From the Research
Diagnosis of Intrasplenic Hemangioma
- Intrasplenic hemangioma is a rare benign vascular tumor of the spleen, and its diagnosis can be made using imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound 1.
- The imaging features of splenic hemangioma include a well-defined mass with a mixed-density shadow on CT scans, and obvious progressive enhancement 2.
- Digital subtraction angiography of the splenic arteriography can also be used to diagnose splenic hemangioma, especially in cases of spontaneous rupture 2.
Treatment of Intrasplenic Hemangioma
- The treatment of splenic hemangioma depends on the patient's hemodynamic stability and imaging findings 2.
- Splenectomy is often performed for symptomatic splenic hemangiomas or those that are large in size 1.
- Small splenic lesions that meet the radiologic criteria for hemangiomas may be safely observed, and splenectomy can be avoided in these cases 1.
- Splenic artery embolization can be used as an alternative to splenectomy in some cases, especially in patients with spontaneous rupture of the spleen 2.
- However, splenic artery embolization can be associated with complications such as severe hypoxemia, shock, pulmonary edema, and acute respiratory distress syndrome 2.
Management of Complications
- In cases of spontaneous rupture of the spleen, emergency treatment is required, and splenectomy may be necessary to control bleeding 2.
- Postoperative care is crucial to manage complications such as hemorrhage, necrosis, and infection 2.
- Immunohistochemistry can be used to confirm the diagnosis of splenic hemangioma and to rule out other vascular tumors or malignancies 3, 4.