Torsion of a wandering spleen

Abstract

Wandering spleen is a rare condition defined as a mobile spleen only attached with its pedicle. It can be complicated by a volvulus, which is a surgical abdominal emergency. Preventing infarction is the aim of a prompt surgery that can preserve the spleen and then proceed to splenopexy. We report a rare case of torsion of a wandering spleen associated with a dolichosigmoïd.

Torsion of a Wandering Spleen

“…Wandering spleen is defined as mobile spleen that is attached only by an elongated vascular pedicle, allowing it to migrate to any part of the abdomen or pelvis. 6 Synonyms -Ectopic Spleen, Displaced or Aberrent Spleen, Splenoptosis, Pelvic Spleen Free floating Spleen, Drifting Spleen. 5 Wandering spleen is a rare clinical condition found in less than 0.5% of splenectomies that is characterized by ectopic positioning of the spleen within the abdomen or pelvis.…”

“…Acute torsion may precipitate fever, vomiting and acute abdominal pain, while recurrent chronic torsion and detorsion may presents as intermittent colicky abdominal pain or vague abdominal discomfort. 6 The non-specific signs and symptoms together with the rarity of this condition hamper the clinical diagnosis. 2 Here we present a case of splenic torsion in a 32 year young lady.…”

Acute torsion of a wandering spleen: a paediatric emergency

“…At times, these features can be obscured by bowel gas. Thus, a CECT scan of the abdomen is an excellent alternative in these conditions and can provide a better delineation of the whirled (twisted) splenic pedicle 3. The decision of splenopexy versus splenectomy depends on the success of detorsion and viability of spleen.…”

Wandering spleen: a potential abdominal catastrophe

“…Failure of development or laxity in the lienogastric, lienorenal and phrenicocolic ligaments can result in a hypermobile spleen attached only by an elongated vascular pedicle [1,2]. This allows the spleen to migrate to any part of the abdomen or pelvis.…”