title: MRI: a valuable tool in diagnosis of splenunculus in chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
abstract: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is an autoimmune disease in which macrophages of reticuloendothelial system, mainly in the spleen, remove platelets coated by autoantibodies from the circulation. By removing the spleen, 60-80% of patients can be cured. Partial remission is achieved in 10-20% cases. This case is a typical example of partial remission of idiopathic thrombocytopenia (ITP) when a patient developed a splenunculus years after removal of the spleen. MRI is the investigation of choice for the detection of a splenunculus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology, South Manchester University Hospital, Southmoore Road, Manchester M23 9LT, UK. sadatmuzammil@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Sadat
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Muzammil
authors.forename: Frederick B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Kanyike
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000601:surgery*; D013154:Spleen / Q000002:abnormalities*; D013156:Splenectomy