Splenunculectomy in recurrent thrombocytopenia.

A 13-year-old boy developed thrombocytopenic purpura in 1953 which improved during 4 weeks of cortisone therapy. Following 13 years of intermittent symptoms the platelet count was found to be 8,000/mul. After splenectomy the patient was asymptomatic for 8 years, but had a recurrence of symptoms and thrombocytopenia in 1974. An initial spleen scan with 99Tcm sulfur colloid was negative; but when repeated with a gamma-camera and shielded liver, a splenunculus was demonstrated. After splenunculectomy a rapid remission occurred, and the patient has been well for 13 months.