title: Macronodular deformity of the spleen.
abstract: METHODS
  Macronodular splenic deformity without a focal lesion has rarely been reported. We present three such cases and discuss the possible pathomechanism.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was one case of macronodular deformity of unknown cause. In this case, the liver was elongated anteriorly over the dome of the spleen, and the markedly deformed spleen mimicked a round lesion in the left lobe of the liver. Color Doppler ultrasonography showed the major intra- and perisplenic vessels to be patent. There were two cases of macronodular deformity associated with extended portal thrombosis. In both cases, portal thrombosis extended throughout the intrahepatic and extrahepatic portal systems, and this portal flow disturbance was presumed to be the cause of the splenic deformity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although very rare, thrombosis should be sought throughout the portal system when ultrasonography shows a markedly deformed spleen. Marked splenic deformity, especially in cases with an elongated liver, may mimic a liver tumor. A good understanding of its sonographic appearance may help sonographers prevent a hazardous misdiagnosis.
authors: First Department of Internal Medicine, Akita University School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita, Japan.
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Konno
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Ishida
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Ishida
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Sato
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Naganuma
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Nakane
authors: Y
authors: Y
authors: Hamashima
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Komatsuda
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Watanabe
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013154:Spleen / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color