Fine-Needle Aspiration of Splenic Lesions

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and usefulness of percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy of the splenic lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fine needle aspiration biopsy was done in 7 patients with splenic lesions. Spleen puncture was perfoled by using 22 gauge Chiba needle, under ultrasound guidance in 6 patients and CT guidance in one patient. RESULTS: No major complication such as bleeding, infection or pneumothorax occurred. Final diagnosis were 2 cases of splenic lymphoma and one case each of metastasis, cystic lymphangioma, tuberculosis, hemangioma, and extramedullary hematopoiesis. Cytologic results were true positive in 4 patients and were clinically useful in all patients. CONCLUSION: This study shows that FNAB of splenic lesions may be a valuable procedure safe from major complications such as fatal bleeding.