Fine needle aspiration biopsy in patients with diffusely enlarged spleens

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic value and potential risk of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the spleen in patients with diffuse splenomegaly due to an undetermined cause. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation of the medical records and cytologic material from 58 patients on whom FNAB was pel formed between 1967 and 1993. RESULTS: Sixty-five FNABs were performed on 58 patients. Lymphoproliferative diseases were found in six; in four additional cases, metastatic adenocarcinoma, sarcoidosis, Candida albicans and enterococcal infection were demonstrated. The remaining 55 biopsies either showed normal splenic tissue or were nondiagnostic. No complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: Splenic FNAB may be useful in some patients with diffuse splenomegaly. The diagnostic yield is rather low. The procedure, however, is simple, safe and well tolerated.