Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Sclerosing Angiomatoid Nodular Transformation of the Spleen—A Case Report—

Abstract

Sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation (SANT) is a rare non-tumorous benign lesion of the spleen. A 45-year-old male presented with a medical history of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and was an outpatient in the hepatology department at our hospital. In March 2021, contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a well demarcated 35-mm splenic mass with similar density to that of the surrounding tissue. It showed low attenuation in the early contrast phase and remained isodense in the delayed phase. Differential diagnoses included a benign lesion such as SANT, and follow up was performed. The tumor gradually increased in size, and malignancy could not be ruled out. The patient was referred to our department. In August 2022, a laparoscopic splenectomy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed capillaries, which stained positive for CD34, arranged in small nodules with a background of hyalinized fibrosis, confirming the diagnosis of SANT. There were no characteristic imaging findings specific to SANT. To provide a definitive diagnosis, histopathological diagnosis from the excised specimen is needed. In conclusion, laparoscopic splenectomy was a minimally invasive and effective procedure.