Acute Volvulus of a Wandering Spleen on Pregnancy: A Case Report

Abstract

Wandering or ectopic spleen is a rare congenital or acquired abnormality due to a defect in the anatomical fixity of the spleen with the surrounding organs. Pedicle twisting is its most common complication. It is an anatomo-clinical entity most often described in children, but rare in adults. It is a serious condition, especially when it occurs on a pregnancy putting at stake maternal and fetal prognosis. Authors report a case of acute volvulus of wandering spleen in a 26-year-old patient admitted for abdominal pain on an active pregnancy of 15 weeks of amenorrhea. Abdominal ultrasound scan helped to set the diagnosis. At laparotomy, the enlarged spleen was in an ectopic position, in the iliac fossa with a pedicle abnormally twisted in several spiral turns. Splenectomy was performed. The post-operative period was simple and the pregnancy progressed well to term.