Sclerosing Angiomatoid Nodular Transformation of the Spleen: A Diagnostic Conundrum

Abstract

A splenic lesion often represents a diagnostic challenge due to relative scarcity and the broad differential diagnosis. Sclerosing Angiomatoid Nodular Transformation (SANT) of the spleen is usually encountered only incidentally. Although benign, patients with SANT often receive splenectomy, due to its rarity, diagnostic uncertainty and sometimes intimidating imaging morphology and size. Imaging features on computed tomography, magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography have a high diagnostic value for SANT and help differentiate this entity from other splenic lesions. When the imaging parameters are matched with core needle biopsy tissue analysis, further watchful waiting can be recommended in order to avoid splenectomy.

Keywords

• sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation
• splenic lesions
• multimodality imaging
• image guided biopsy
• splenectomy