[Sarcoidosis presenting as a splenic pseudotumour].
BACKGROUND
Multinodular splenomegaly is a rare form of extrathoracic sarcoidosis. It may be the presenting feature of the disease. It poses problems of differential diagnosis, in particular with lymphoma, tuberculosis and other granulomatous diseases. In the absence of typical associated lesions, particularly thoracic, histological roof is essential.


METHODS
We report the case of a 55-year-old caucasian woman with multinodular pseudotumoural splenomegaly, associated with some small mediastinal lymph nodes and some non-specific parenchymatous pulmonary nodules. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made on the basis of splenectomy after eliminating other causes of granulomatosis.


CONCLUSIONS
This case report describes a rare presentation of sarcoidosis and discusses the differential diagnosis of multinodular splenomegaly. It underlines the necessity of an exhaustive aetiological investigation of splenic granulomatosis as the diagnosis of sarcoidosis remains one of elimination.
Schwartz
A
A
Service de chirurgie viscérale, hôpital d'instruction des armées Robert-Picqué, 351, route de Toulouse, CS 80002, 33882 Villenave d'Ornon cedex, France. schwartz.antoine@gmail.com
Paleiron
N
N
Quinquenel
M-L
ML
Peycru
T
T
Rault
A
A
Dufau
J-P
JP
Durand-Dastes
F
F
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D013158:Splenic Diseases / Q000209:etiology*