What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• LCA of Spleen
• Splenic Littoral Cell Angioma 

What is Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen? (Definition/Background Information)

• Littoral Cell Angioma (LCA) of Spleen is a benign tumor of the spleen, which arises from splenic red pulp sinuses. It is a rare vascular tumor
• It usually causes an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), fever, and weight loss
• This is a benign tumor; however, malignancy of LCA in some cases has been reported

Who gets Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Adults are generally prone to Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen; the mean age of patients is around 49 years
• Both males and females may be affected by LCA of Spleen. It has an equal frequency of occurrence in both sexes

What are the Risk Factors for Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen? (Predisposing Factors)

Risk factors for Littoral Cell Angioma include a host of diseases and conditions:

• Crohn’s  disease
• Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Lymphocytic colitis
• Myelodysplastic syndrome
• Adenocarcinoma of pancreas and colon
• Cancers of kidney, lungs, and ovaries

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen? (Etiology)

The cause of development of Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen is unknown.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen?

The signs and symptoms of Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen may include:

• Enlarged spleen, fever, and weight loss
• Normally, the fever goes away, after a removal of the spleen
• In about 50% of the patients, the tumor does not cause any symptoms

How is Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen Diagnosed?

Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen is diagnosed using:

• Complete physical and thorough medical exam
• Complete blood count (CBC) - a CBC usually shows low platelets (thrombocytopenia) and anemia (low hemoglobin)
• Ultrasound of the abdomen shows enlarged spleen (splenomegaly); the LCA may show up as a single mass or as multiple masses in the spleen
• CT scan of splenic enlargement
• A definitive diagnosis is made, when the spleen is examined by a pathologist under the microscope. Special studies may be ordered by the pathologist, in order to arrive at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen?

The complications of Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen could include:

• If the spleen gets too large, it may rupture (termed as a splenic infarct)
• Considering that Littoral Cell Angioma is a very rare type of tumor, there are chances that it may be misdiagnosed as a malignant angiosarcoma of the spleen

How is Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen Treated?

A Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen is generally treated by the surgical removal of spleen (splenectomy).

How can Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen be Prevented?

The cause of Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen remains unknown and the condition cannot be prevented.

What is the Prognosis of Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen has an excellent prognosis, after a splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen).

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen:

• Littoral Cell Angioma was first described by Falk in the year 1991
• A differential diagnosis of Littoral Cell Angioma of Spleen may include:
  • Lymphoma
  • Tuberculosis infection of spleen
  • Hemangiomatosis
  • Lymphangiomatosis
  • Kaposi’s sarcoma
  • Hemangioperiocytoma