Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Hepatosplenic brucelloma: clinical presentation and imaging features in six cases

  • Published:
Abdominal Imaging Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical presentation and the computed tomographic (CT) and ultrasound (US) findings in six episodes of hepatosplenic brucelloma in five patients.

Methods

In four episodes, the diagnosis was based on clinical history, serology, and characteristic imaging findings. In the other two episodes in the same patient, the diagnosis was suspected after a biopsy was taken. CT was performed in all six cases and US in five.

Results

On US, brucellomas were iso- or hypoechogenic with the liver. Hyperechogenic masses were seen in one patient. Brucellomas were very poorly defined and contained small scattered cystic areas. All lesions showed central or marginal gross focal calcification, except multiple lesions in one patient. Contrast-enhanced CT showed predominantly solid masses with irregular borders and fine or thick enhancing trabeculations separating hypodense solid areas and/or small cystic areas. Two patients showed transdiaphragmatic lung invasion by brucelloma, a complication not previously published.

Conclusion

In regions where brucellosis is endemic, brucelloma should be included in the differential diagnosis if a hepatic or splenic mass with irregular borders and central or marginal gross focal calcification is detected, and contrast-enhanced CT shows enhancing trabeculations that separate hypodense solid areas and/or small liquid collections.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. JD Colmenero JM Reguera F Martos et al. (1996) ArticleTitleComplications associated with Brucella melitensis infection: a study of 530 cases Medicine (Baltimore) 75 195–211 Occurrence Handle10.1097/00005792-199607000-00003 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:BymA38%2FjsFE%3D

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. J Ariza C Pigrau C Cañas et al. (2001) ArticleTitleCurrent understanding and management of chronic hepatosplenic suppurative brucellosis Clin Infect Dis 32 1024–1033 Occurrence Handle10.1086/319608 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3M7ms1Smuw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle11264030

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. JD Colmenero MI Queipo-Ortuño JM Reguera et al. (2002) ArticleTitleChronic hepatosplenic abscesses in brucellosis. Clinico-therapeutic features and molecular diagnostic approach Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 42 159–167 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0732-8893(01)00344-3 Occurrence Handle11929686

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. T Davion J Delamarre S Sallebert et al. (1987) ArticleTitleBrucellome hépatique (nécrose caséeuse brucellienne hépatique pseudo-tumorale). Étude d’un cas et revue de la littérature Gastroenterol Clin Biol 11 424–428 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:BiiB2sjhvFI%3D Occurrence Handle3609638

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. JP Arcomano NF Pizzolato R Singer et al. (1976) ArticleTitleA unique type of calcification in chronic brucellosis AJR 128 135–137

    Google Scholar 

  6. A Cosme J Barrio E Ojeda et al. (2001) ArticleTitleSonographic findings in brucellar hepatic abscess J Clin Ultrasound 29 109–111 Occurrence Handle10.1002/1097-0096(200102)29:2<109::AID-JCU1008>3.0.CO;2-P Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3Mzmtlektw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle11425088

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. KB Ates ME Dólar M Karahan et al. (1992) ArticleTitleBrucella melitensis splenic abscess: sonographic detection and follow-up J Clin Ultrasound 20 349–351 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:By2B2MbmsFE%3D Occurrence Handle1316379

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. O Sisteron J Souci P Chevallier et al. (2002) ArticleTitleHepatic abscess caused by Brucella. US, CT and MRI findings. Case report and review of the literature Clin Imaging 26 414–417 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0899-7071(02)00507-7 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD38nmslaisA%3D%3D Occurrence Handle12427438

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. JG Vallejo AM Stevens RV Dutton et al. (1996) ArticleTitleHepatosplenic abscesses due to Brucella melitensis: report of a case involving a child and review of the literature Clin Infect Dis 22 485–489 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:ByiD3crms1w%3D Occurrence Handle8852967

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. V Vargas P Comas R Llatzer et al. (1991) ArticleTitleBrucellar hepatic abscess (letter) J Clin Gastroenterol 13 477–478 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:By2D3M3ot1I%3D Occurrence Handle1918859

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. G Yaily M Isler O Oyar (2002) ArticleTitleMedically treated splenic abscess due to brucella melitensis Scand J Infect Dis 34 133–135 Occurrence Handle10.1080/00365540110077335 Occurrence Handle11928846

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. RK Williams K Crossley (1982) ArticleTitleAcute and chronic hepatic involvement of brucellosis Gastroenterology 83 455–458 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:Bi2B3M7msFU%3D Occurrence Handle7084621

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. C Pérez-García R Uribarrena M Aizcorbe et al. (1987) ArticleTitleAbsceso hepático brucelar y embarazo Gastroenterol Hepatol. 10 361–362

    Google Scholar 

  14. Ch Halimi N Bringard N Boyer et al. (1999) ArticleTitleBrucellome hépatique: deux nouveaux cas et revue de la littérature Gastroenterol Clin Biol 23 513–517 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1MzksVKjtg%3D%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. D Débat-Zoguéreh S Badiaga E Uzan et al. (1995) ArticleTitleGranulome nécrosant hépatique d’origine brucellienne Á propos d’un cas. Rev Med Interne 16 63–66

    Google Scholar 

  16. GJ Vaquero-Gajate A Costo JM Santos et al. (1989) ArticleTitleAbsceso hepático brucelar: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura Rev Esp Enf Ap Digest 76 409–412 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:By%2BD1czovFw%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. WW Spink (1957) ArticleTitleSuppuration and calcification of the liver and spleen due to long standing infection with Brucella suis N Engl J Med 257 209–210 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:CyiD1MfosV0%3D Occurrence Handle13452074

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Diagnostic Imaging Department, “Virgen de las Nieves” University Hospital, Avenida Coronel Muñoz s/n, E-18012, Granada, Spain

    E. Ruiz Carazo, F. Muñoz Parra, M. P. Jiménez Villares, M. Mar Castellano del García, S. L. Moyano Calvente & A. Medina Benítez

Authors
  1. E. Ruiz Carazo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. F. Muñoz Parra
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. M. P. Jiménez Villares
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. M. Mar Castellano del García
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. S. L. Moyano Calvente
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. A. Medina Benítez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to E. Ruiz Carazo.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Carazo, E.R., Parra, F.M., Villares, M.P.J. et al. Hepatosplenic brucelloma: clinical presentation and imaging features in six cases. Abdom Imaging 30, 291–296 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-004-0264-6

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-004-0264-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation