The torsion of a wandering pelvic spleen: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Wandering spleen is a rare condition, often diagnosed incidentally, characterized by excessive mobility and displacement in the abdomen of this organ, usually of normal dimension but with an elongated vascular pedicle. The unusually long pedicle is susceptible to twisting, which can lead to ischemia and, eventually, to necrosis. This report describes the presentation, course and treatment of a 15 years old patient who underwent operation for wandering spleen in the authors' department: due to the symptomatology of the patient, the spleno-pancreatic axis malformation and the possible danger of an abdominal trauma, a total splenectomy was executed. Wandering spleen is a condition with a variety of clinical presentation, from asymptomatic mass to acute abdomen. Authors' conclusions were that an early diagnosis is fundamental to prevent complications. Treatment is surgical, and the preservation of the organ should be preferred compared to its total ablation.