Thrombocytopenia caused by splenic hamartoma: resolution after splenectomy.

Abstract

We report a rare case of isolated thrombocytopenia due to a large hamartoma of the pulposal type, which resolved with splenectomy in a 46-year-old man. Although hamartomas are usually found incidentally, they may cause hematologic disturbances such as thrombocytopenia, anemia, or splenic rupture. The diagnosis of splenic hamartoma is difficult to make preoperatively. Splenectomy is important in excluding malignant tumors from the diagnosis when the etiology of a splenic mass is unclear and ameliorating hematologic symptoms related to hamartomas.