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

Abstract

<h4>Introduction</h4>"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.<h4>Case presentation</h4>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.<h4>Clinical discussion</h4>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.<h4>Conclusion</h4>High index of suspicion and early detection (along with other factors) might allow splenic preservation especially in children.