title: Diagnosis of thoracic splenosis by tru-cut needle biopsy.
abstract: We present a case of thoracic splenosis diagnosed by tru-cut needle biopsy, which yielded histologically normal splenic tissue. This is the first report of a diagnosis of thoracic splenosis by needle biopsy. The patient had a history characteristic of thoracic splenosis. Autotransplanted splenic tissue functions and may provide some defense against serious infections. A conservative approach to diagnosis offers the advantages of preserving splenic tissue and avoiding thoracotomy.
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002828:Choristoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D013154:Spleen; D013161:Splenic Rupture / Q000150:complications