Splenic autotransplantation in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection: a case report
2011

Splenic Autotransplantation in HIV Patient

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Toro Adriana, Mannino Maurizio, Reale Giulio, Di Carlo Isidoro

Primary Institution: Department of Surgical Sciences, Organ Transplantation, and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Cannizzaro Hospital

Hypothesis

Can splenic autotransplantation reduce the risk of opportunistic infections and sepsis in patients with HIV?

Conclusion

Autotransplantation of splenic tissue decreases the risk of opportunistic infection and sepsis, and it might also be useful in patients with human immunodeficiency virus.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient was discharged nine days after surgery with no complications.
  • One year later, imaging showed that the transplanted tissue was functioning well.

Takeaway

A man with HIV had his damaged spleen partially transplanted back into his body after an accident, which helped reduce his risk of infections.

Methodology

The patient underwent splenectomy and 35 g of splenic tissue was autotransplanted into a pouch in the omentum.

Limitations

Only one case is reported, and further studies are needed to validate the findings.

Participant Demographics

A 36-year-old Caucasian man with a 13-year history of HIV.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1752-1947-5-379

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