Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Case of Spleen Hamartoma

Abstract

Objective: To emphasize the contribution of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) contrast agent in the diagnosis of the splenic hamartoma. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 63-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with diffuse abdominal pain. An ultrasound examination revealed a 5 x 4 cm solid lesion in the spleen. Dynamic gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdominal findings was consistent with a splenic hamartoma. SPIO-enhanced MRI was then performed and it confirmed the diagnosis. The lesion showed a decrease of signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Conclusion: This case showed that SPIO-enhanced MRI was useful for establishing a noninvasive diagnosis of the splenic hamartomas. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel