Inflammatory pseudotumor of the spleen with EBV positivity: report of a case

• Published in: European journal of haematology 2004-04, Vol.72 (4), p.285-291
• Main Authors: Oz Puyan, F., Bilgi, S., Unlu, E., Yalcin, O., Altaner, S., Demir, M., Cakir, B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Diagnosis, Differential; differential diagnosis; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections - virology; Epstein–Barr virus; Female; Granuloma, Plasma Cell - diagnosis; Granuloma, Plasma Cell - surgery; Granuloma, Plasma Cell - virology; Hamartoma - diagnosis; Herpesvirus 4, Human - isolation & purification; Humans; In Situ Hybridization; inflammatory pseudotumor; Lymphoma - diagnosis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; spleen; Splenectomy; Splenic Diseases - diagnosis; Splenic Diseases - surgery; Splenic Diseases - virology
• ISSN: 0902-4441; 1600-0609
• DOI: 10.1111/j.0902-4441.2003.00208.x

: Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) of the spleen is a rare benign tumor with unknown etiology. It causes problems in the diagnosis because of mimicking some hematopoetic malignancies. Here we report the case of a 36‐yr‐old woman complaining of nausea and insomnia. Laboratory investigations were limited to increase of leukocyte and thrombocyte count. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed circumscribed solid lobulated mass, measuring about 6.5 cm in diameter, located in the dorsal region of the spleen. Splenectomy was performed with the differential diagnosis including hamartoma and lymphoma of the spleen. Histological examination of the sharply demarcated splenic mass consisted of myofibroblasts and admixture of inflammatory cells. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were performed. IPT of the spleen was diagnosed. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) was detected in the tumor by in situ hybridization. This rare entity is presented because of its clinical, radiological and pathological difficulties in the differential diagnosis.