Splenogonadal fusion: report of 2 cases and review of the literature

PURPOSE: We reviewed the presentation and clinical findings in an unusual scrotal mass seen in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review involves a detailed description of 2 cases of splenogonadal fusion, and a complete survey and assessment of the published literature on this subject.

RESULTS: A detailed assessment of 137 cases (135 previously reported, 2 added) of splenogonadal fusion was undertaken. Splenogonadal fusion can be classified as either continuous or discontinuous type. The disorder was rarely recognized before surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: In 37% of reported patients orchiectomy was performed because of suspicion that the lesion represented a primary neoplasm. However, orchiectomy is not necessary, since the splenic tissue can be dissected safely off of the tunica albuginea. Therefore, an awareness of the possibility that this anomaly may exist can avoid an unnecessary orchiectomy.