Splenogonadal fusion
Encyclopedia
Splenogonadal fusion is a rare congenital malformation that involves an abnormal connection between the spleen
and the gonad
. It manifests itself as a mass consisting of splenic and testicular or ovarian tissue. Splenogonadal fusion has been classified into two types; continuous, where there is a direct connection between spleen and gonad; and discontinuous, where ectopic splenic tissue is attached to the gonad, but there is no connection to the spleen.
Although this malformation affects both sexes, it is more common in males. It is rarely diagnosed pre-operatively, and surgery is usually necessary to determine if it is malignant. Historically, there have been several cases where a testicular swelling has resulted in an unnecessary orchiectomy due to suspicion of a testicular neoplasm. Anyway, the splenic tissue can be severed from the tunica albuginea
in order to prevent an orchiectomy.
Roughly, only 150 cases of splenogonadal fusion have been documented. The anomaly was first mentioned by pathologist Eugen Bostroem
in 1883, but it wasn't until 1889 when a Dr. Pommer described the malformation in detail.
Spleen
The spleen is an organ found in virtually all vertebrate animals with important roles in regard to red blood cells and the immune system. In humans, it is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. It removes old red blood cells and holds a reserve of blood in case of hemorrhagic shock...
and the gonad
Gonad
The gonad is the organ that makes gametes. The gonads in males are the testes and the gonads in females are the ovaries. The product, gametes, are haploid germ cells. For example, spermatozoon and egg cells are gametes...
. It manifests itself as a mass consisting of splenic and testicular or ovarian tissue. Splenogonadal fusion has been classified into two types; continuous, where there is a direct connection between spleen and gonad; and discontinuous, where ectopic splenic tissue is attached to the gonad, but there is no connection to the spleen.
Although this malformation affects both sexes, it is more common in males. It is rarely diagnosed pre-operatively, and surgery is usually necessary to determine if it is malignant. Historically, there have been several cases where a testicular swelling has resulted in an unnecessary orchiectomy due to suspicion of a testicular neoplasm. Anyway, the splenic tissue can be severed from the tunica albuginea
Tunica albuginea (testicles)
The Tunica Albuginea is the fibrous covering of the testis.It is a dense blue-white membrane, composed of bundles of white fibrous tissue which interlace in every direction....
in order to prevent an orchiectomy.
Roughly, only 150 cases of splenogonadal fusion have been documented. The anomaly was first mentioned by pathologist Eugen Bostroem
Eugen Bostroem
Eugen Woldemar Bostroem was a German pathologist. He was a native of Fellin , Livonia). He studied medicine in Leipzig and Erlangen, receiving his degree in 1876. Afterwards he was an assistant to Friedrich Albert von Zenker at the pathology institute in Erlangen...
in 1883, but it wasn't until 1889 when a Dr. Pommer described the malformation in detail.