title: Detection of Epstein-Barr virus in inflammatory pseudotumour of the spleen: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Various types of benign and malignant splenic tumours including hemangiomas, lymphagiomas, hamartomas, hemangiosarcomas, malignant lymphomas and metastatic carcinomas share radiological characteristics making it impossible for a physician to determine the definite aetiology of splenic masses noninvasively without histopathological evaluation. It is important that physicians recognize the importance of a careful and continuous follow-up since inflammatory pseudotumours (IPT) are considered to be tumours with an intermediate malignant potential based on their behaviour when they arise in other locations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our patient, a 60-year-old woman was evaluated using laboratory, gastroscopy, computed tomography and surgical methods. The resected tumour was evaluated using immunohistochemical methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patient presented with weight loss, nausea and vomiting, symptoms lasting over a course of a few months. The splenic mass was found incidentally at the time of work up for gastritis and cholelithiasis. Histologically, the tumour differed from typical splenic architecture being composed of atypical spindle cells with inflammatory elements; numerous plasma cells, macrophages, eosinophils and lymphocytes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although very difficult to diagnose at initial presentation, it is very important for the physician to be aware of the importance of a careful diagnosis since IPT of the spleen are rare and considered to be tumours with an intermediate malignant potential.
authors.affiliation: Majerović, University of Zagreb, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia. markomance@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Marko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mance
authors.affiliation: Majerović, University of Zagreb, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: Ivan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Romić
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: Matea
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Majerović
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006104:Granuloma, Plasma Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000821:virology*; D013154:Spleen / Q000821:virology; D013158:Splenic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology*
keywords: Computed tomography; Eosinophil follicular dendritic cell tumour; Epstein–Barr virus; Hematoxylin and eosin stain; Splenic inflammatory pseudotumour