title: Pleural Nodules and Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy in a Smoker: An Unusual Case Report.
abstract: The authors report a case of thoracic splenosis, which is the autotransplantation of splenic tissue into the pleural cavity. Splenosis in the chest is a rare entity and most often an incidental finding on chest computed tomography, typically showing solitary or multiple well-defined, noncalcified pleural nodules of variable size in the left hemithorax. It is important to include this benign pathology in the differential diagnosis among other, generally malignant, pleural lesions. Imaging clues to the diagnosis are absence of the spleen and/or associated rib fractures. Early identification of thoracic splenosis as a cause of pleural nodules can prevent unnecessary and risky invasive procedures, such as biopsy or surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Damien
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Desbuquoit
authors.affiliation: Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Stijn
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Van Hecke
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Pjotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Even
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Parizel
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Jan P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: van Meerbeeck
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Annemie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Snoeckx
keywords: 99mTc-sulfur colloid scintigraphy; Computed tomography; Lymphadenopathy; Pleural nodules; Thoracic splenosis