Torsion of a wandering spleen with preserved vascular supply

Introduction: Wandering spleen is a rare clinical entity caused by congenital or acquired laxity, elongation, or absence of the splenic ligaments, allowing the spleen to migrate from its usual anatomical position. The most serious complication is torsion of the splenic vascular pedicle, which can lead to infarction, peritonitis, and, if not promptly treated, death. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 2-year-old female with a history of intermittent abdominal pain and a recent finding of a mobile infraumbilical mass. She was referred with a presumptive diagnosis of an abdominal tumor. Abdominal ultrasound revealed an ectopic spleen with torsion of the vascular pedicle. Despite the torsion, splenic vascularization was preserved. Management and Outcome: Emergency laparotomy was performed. Intraoperatively, a 720-degree torsion of the splenic pedicle was identified. Manual detorsion was performed, and splenopexy was achieved. The postoperative course was uneventful. Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention in patients with torsion of a wandering spleen. Ultrasound with Doppler imaging is an effective first-line diagnostic tool. When the spleen is viable, splenopexy remains the treatment of choice in pediatric patients.

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Publication Details

Journal
Belize Journal of Medicine
Published
2025-09-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.61997/bjm.v14i3.484
Primary Topic
Abdominal Trauma and Injuries
Type
article
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article

Torsion of a wandering spleen with preserved vascular supply

Elizabeth Hernández Moore, Yudeilys Rodríguez Avalos, Tania Isabel Sardaín Placeres
Belize Journal of Medicine
Abdominal Trauma and Injuries
article

Torsion of a wandering spleen with preserved vascular supply

Elizabeth Hernández Moore, Yudeilys Rodríguez Avalos, Tania Isabel Sardaín Placeres
article en

Abstract

Introduction: Wandering spleen is a rare clinical entity caused by congenital or acquired laxity, elongation, or absence of the splenic ligaments, allowing the spleen to migrate from its usual anatomical position. The most serious complication is torsion of the splenic vascular pedicle, which can lead to infarction, peritonitis, and, if not promptly treated, death. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 2-year-old female with a history of intermittent abdominal pain and a recent finding of a mobile infraumbilical mass. She was referred with a presumptive diagnosis of an abdominal tumor. Abdominal ultrasound revealed an ectopic spleen with torsion of the vascular pedicle. Despite the torsion, splenic vascularization was preserved. Management and Outcome: Emergency laparotomy was performed. Intraoperatively, a 720-degree torsion of the splenic pedicle was identified. Manual detorsion was performed, and splenopexy was achieved. The postoperative course was uneventful. Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention in patients with torsion of a wandering spleen. Ultrasound with Doppler imaging is an effective first-line diagnostic tool. When the spleen is viable, splenopexy remains the treatment of choice in pediatric patients.

Belize Journal of MedicineVol. 14(3)
Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell (UY), University of Camagüey (CU)
Openalex Percentile: Top 60%
Abdominal Trauma and Injuries
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