Infammatory pseudotumor of the liver and spleen diagnosed by percutaneous needle biopsy

Abstract

An inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) is a relatively rare lesion characterized by chronic infiltration of inflammatory cells and areas of fibrosis. IPTs are difficult to diagnose because of the absence of specific symptoms or of characteristic hematological or radiological findings. In this study, a case of a woman aged over 70 years was reported, who presented with a general malaise lasting more than two months. A computed tomography scan demonstrated a diffusely spread lesion of the liver with a portal vein occlusion and a splenic lesion surrounded by a soft density layer. Since the percutaneous liver biopsy showed findings that suggested an IPT, although the radiological findings did not exclude the possibility of a malignancy, we performed a percutaneous spleen biopsy to enable a more definitive diagnosis. The microscopic findings from the spleen specimen lead us to a diagnosis of IPT involving the liver and spleen. Sub- sequent steroid pulse therapy was effective, and rapid resolution of the disease was observed. © 2012 Baishideng. All rights reserved.