A pathognomonic calcification pattern in chronic splenic brucellosis.

A 75-year-old male farmer presented for an abdominal CT scan because of a nonspecific, longstanding abdominal discomfort, fatigue and appetite loss. Although there were no other remarkable imaging findings, an unusual pattern of multiple, thinly, concentrically lamellated calcifications resembling targets was found in the spleen (Fig. 1A), also characterized on a further MRI work-up (Fig. 1B). Such isolated radiological finding raised suspicion of brucellosis. Laboratory tests for tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, HIV, and echinococcosis were all negative. A diagnosis of isolated splenic brucelloma was made on the basis of a positive Brucella IgG ELISA test, clinical history, and imaging findings. Hepatosplenic involvement is common during the course of acute brucellosis (up to 60% of patients) and usually manifests as hepatosplenomegaly or mild increase of hepatic enzyme levels secondary to a nonspecific or granulomatous hepatitis, with good prognosis.1 Chronic brucellar hepatosplenic abscesses (brucellomas) are rare (about 2% of cases), being considered true focal complications. Isolated