Torsion of a wandering spleen, a rare cause of acute abdomen: A case report

Abstract

Introduction

“Wandering spleen” a condition in which the spleen's suspensory ligaments are under developed or slack is characterized mainly by splenic hypermobility and loss of fixation. A variety of clinical presentations of this condition has been described; from an incidental finding in imaging surveys to acute, chronic, or intermittent symptoms due to splenic torsion. For these individuals, there are two possible treatment options: splenectomy or splenopexy.

Case presentation

Here we present a case of a 16 year old female patient presented with acute abdomen and underwent exploratory laparotomy and splenectomy for gangrenous volvulated wandering spleen.

Clinical discussion

Splenic suspensory ligament abnormalities, frequently referred to as a “wandering” spleen, are the cause of predisposition. However, because the patient usually exhibits no symptoms until splenic torsion occurs, diagnosing of a “wandering” spleen is challenging. Diagnosis is mainly using imaging modalities; color doppler study or compute tomography scan which are done usually once the patient is symptomatic.

Conclusion

High index of suspicion and early detection (along with other factors) might allow splenic preservation especially in children.