Eur J Pediatr Surg 2011; 21(3): 203-204
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1271670
Case Gallery

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Laparoscopy in the Diagnosis and Management of Splenogonadal Fusion: Case Report

A. Papparella1 , F. Nino1 , S. Coppola1 , D. Donniacono1 , P. Parmeggiani1
  • 1Pediatric Surgery, Pediatrics, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 March 2011 (online)

Introduction

Splenogonadal fusion is a rare congenital anomaly involving abnormal fusion between the spleen and the gonad. The fusion can be continuous or discontinuous, depending on the presence or absence of a structural connection between the regular spleen and ectopic splenic tissue attached to the gonad. Clinical presentation is usually as a testicular mass, and diagnosis is in most cases accidental; sometimes other congenital abnormalities are present [1] [2] [3]. We report the case of a child with a continuous type splenogonadal fusion which manifested itself as a testicular mass. The diagnosis and surgical treatment were suggested by diagnostic laparoscopy.

References

  • 1 Bostroem E. Demonstration eines Präparates von Verwachsung der Milz mit dem linken Hoden. Gesellschaft Deutscher Naturforscher und Ärzte. Verhandlungen der 56. Versammlung.  Freiburg. 1883;  149
  • 2 Chen SL, Kao YL, Sun HS. et al . Splenogonadal fusion.  J Formos Med Assoc. 2008;  107 892-895
  • 3 Carragher AM. One hundred years of splenogonadal fusion.  Urology. 1990;  35 471-475
  • 4 Putschar WGJ, Manion WC. Splenic-gonadal fusion.  Amer J Pathol. 1956;  32 15-33
  • 5 Le Roux PJ, Heddle RM. Splenogonadal fusion: is the accepted classification system accurate?.  BJU Int. 2000;  85 114-115
  • 6 Khairat AB, Ismail AM. Splenogonadal fusion: case presentation and literature review.  J Pediatr Surg. 2005;  40 1357-1360
  • 7 Braga LH, Braga MM, Dias MA. Laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of splenogonadal fusion associated with intra-abdominal cryptorchidism in a child.  Pediatr Surg Int. 1999;  15 465-466
  • 8 Tokar B. Do we need laparoscopic abdominal exploration for a testicular nubbin palpated in the inguinal region? A case with type IV polyorchidism.  Eur J Pediatr Surg. 2010;  20 203-204
  • 9 Besner GE, Qualman SJ, Gosche JR. Identification of a duplicated undescended testicle (polyorchia): an unexpected benefit of laparoscopic localization.  J Laparoendosc Surg. 1996;  6 (Suppl 1) S107-S114
  • 10 Braga LH, Braga MM, Dias MA. Laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of splenogonadal fusion associated with intra-abdominal cryptorchidism in a child.  Pediatr Surg Int. 1999;  15 465-466
  • 11 Imperial SL, Sidhu JS. Nonseminomatous germ cell tumour arising in splenogonadal fusion.  Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2002;  126 1222-1225
  • 12 Falkowski WS, Carter MF. Splenogonadal fusion associated with an anaplastic seminoma.  J Urol. 1980;  124 562-564
  • 13 Thomsen BM, Wierod FS, Rasmussen KC. Combined malignant testicular tumour and splenogonadal fusion.  Scand J Urol Nephol. 1997;  31 393-395
  • 14 Cortes D, Thorup JM, Visfeldt J. The pathogenesis of cryptorchidism and splenogonadal fusion: a new hypothesis.  Br J Urol. 1996;  77 285-290

Correspondence

Prof. Alfonso PapparellaMD 

Pediatric Surgery

Pediatrics

Via S. Pansini 5

80131 Napoli

Italy

Phone: + 39 081 566 6690

Fax: + 39 081 566 6683

Email: alfonso.papparella@unina2.it

    >