title: Accessory spleen in the pelvis: A case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Accessory Spleen (AS) is a very rare entity and usually near the spleen's hilum and in the tail of the pancreas. Pelvis reported as an atypical and a rare localization. AS may be formed during embryonic life, they rise from the left side of the dorsal mesogastrium as a result of imperfect fusion of separate splenic masses.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a case of an AS presenting as an left adnexal mass in a middle-aged woman. Transvaginal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a left adnexial mass. Laparatomy was performed, and histological examination revealed that resected mass was splenic tissue.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An AS is an incidental finding of no clinical significance in most patients. AS are generally determined during radiological investigations or during open or laparoscopic surgeries. When, the AS settle in the adnexal area; the differential diagnosis could include the causes of adnexal masses like enlarged lymph nodes, subserous fibroid, ovarian tumors, organized hematoma, tuboovarian abscess.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Althought pelvic accessory spleen is a rare condition, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of adnexal masses.
authors.affiliation: Balıkesir University Medical Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Balıkesir, Turkey. Electronic address: minetaskin1302@yahoo.com.tr.
authors.forename: Mine Islimye
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Taskin
authors.affiliation: Balıkesir University Medical Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Balıkesir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Banu Guleç
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Baser
authors.affiliation: Balıkesir University Medical Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Balıkesir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ertan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Adali
authors.affiliation: Balıkesir University Medical Faculty, Department of Radiology, Balıkesir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Erdoğan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bulbul
authors.affiliation: Uzgoren Pathology Laboratory, Balıkesir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Engin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Uzgoren
keywords: Accessory spleen; Adnexal mass; Histopathology