A rare case of giant cavernous splenic haemangioma

Abstract

Introduction: Tumors of spleen are generally rare disorders. The most common primary splenic neoplasm is haemangioma, although very rare. Giant, cavernous splenic haemangioma is extremely rare, less than 100 cases have been reported in the literature. Case report: We present a case of giant haemangioma in a 65 years-old patient. Radiological diagnostic methods were not conclusive. Magnetic resonance imaging showed en expansive, heterogenous lesion with signs of necrosis and haemorrhage in the central part. Those characteristics raised suspicion in malignant neoplasm, especially haemangiosarcoma and metastatic neoplasm. The surgical team performed total splenectomy, with special attention to possible bleeding as a severe complication. Pathohistological finding was undoubted. There were certain signs of benign, cavernous splenic haemangioma with areas of coagulative necrosis. Conclusion: We need to be aware of such rare entity. MRI is the most reliable diagnostic method, but the pathohistological analysis is definitive. Surgery is a treatment of choice.