TUBERCULOSIS OF THE SPLEEN

Isolated tuberculosis of the spleen is rare and difficult to diagnose. A case in a 41-year-old woman is reported, and the relevant literatur e is reviewed. The presenting symptoms were suggestive of a tumor. Spl enectomy was performed after five months, and the diagnosis was establ ished by examination of the operative specimen. Misleading clinical fe atures and diagnostic pitfalls in tuberculosis of the spleen are discu ssed. When the spleen is the only organ involved, the diagnosis is usu ally made by a pathologic study of splenic tissue obtained during lapa rotomy or needle biopsy under ultrasound guidance.