Splenic hamartoma associated with visceral leishmaniasis mimicking aggressive lymphoma

Abstract

Splenic hamartomas are benign and rare vascular tumors with no more than 200 cases reported in the literature since its initial description by Rokitansky in 1861.1–3 Of unknown pathogenesis, these tumors may consist of congenital developmental defects or acquired non-neoplastic malformations.4–6 Hamartomas are characterized by an abnormal mixture of native tissues that make up the affected organ.7 Splenic hamartomas (also called splenomas, nodular hyperplasia of the spleen, splenoadenomas, congenital tumor-like malformations, spleen with accessory spleen, or intrasplenic splenunculus) are frequently associated with benign hematologic diseases and hematologic malignancies.4 Although disseminated infections caused by fungi or mycobacteria may present as solid lesions in the spleen, the association between splenic hamartomas and infections has not been reported.8 The present report describes a patient with splenic lesions who was initially considered for the diagnosis of aggressive