Epstein–Barr virus positive inflammatory pseudo-tumour of the spleen: A case report and literature review()

INTRODUCTION: Epstein–Barr virus positive inflammatory pseudo-tumour (IPT) of the spleen is an uncommon, frequently asymptomatic entity, which is typically picked up as an incidental finding on imaging. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a case of EBV positive IPT of the spleen which presented as an incidental finding on CT in a patient with a history of malignancy. Splenectomy was performed. DISCUSSION: IPTs are benign spindle cell lesions of varying aetiology, which can arise in a variety of tissues, including the spleen. In situ hybridisation showed strong staining for Epstein–Barr virus RNA in our case, in common with many similar lesions described in the literature. The differential diagnosis of such spindle cell tumours is discussed. CONCLUSION: Radiologically, EBV positive spindle cell tumours are indistinguishable from malignant lesions such as lymphoma and diagnosis is made on histology, usually at splenectomy.