Value of CT in the Differential Diagnosis of Splenic Neoplasms

Objective:To assess the value of computed tomography (CT) in the differential diagnosis of splenic neoplasms.Methods:The CT findings of 25 cases with surgery and pathology proved splenic neoplasms (11 benign and 14 malignant) were retrospectively studied.The CT characteristics and the pathologic findings were correlated.Results:Among the benign lesions,no splenomegaly was assessed in 10 cases (90.9%),yet 8 cases (57.1%) with malignancy showed splenomegaly.Well-defined solitary lesion,intra-tumoral eggshell-like calcifications,with no lymphadenopathy were showed in benign masses.However,multiple ill-defined lesions,intra-tumoral granular or nodular calcification and enlargement of lymph nodes were found in malignant lesions.Conclusion:There were certain CT findings which were helpful in the diagnosis of space occupying splenic lesions.Accurate diagnosis could be obtained mostly,when the CT findings were correlated with clinical history.