MRI: a valuable tool in diagnosis of splenunculus in chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
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.
Muzammil
Sadat
S
Department of Haematology, South Manchester University Hospital, Southmoore Road, Manchester M23 9LT, UK. sadatmuzammil@yahoo.com
Kanyike
Frederick B
FB
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