A case report of wandering spleen

• Published in: La revue de medecine interne Vol. 42; no. 4; pp. 285 - 287
• Main Authors: Giraud, J-T, Dingremont, C, Gailleton, R, Tissier, M, Arouch, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: French
• Published: France 01.04.2021
• Subjects: Splenomegaly; Splénomegalie; Splenopexy; Wandering spleen; Syndrome de la rate baladeuse; Splénopexie; Torsion du pédicule splénique; Splenic vascular pedicle torsion
• ISSN: 1768-3122
• DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2020.11.010

Wandering spleen is a rare condition that occurs when there is an acquired or congenital hypelaxity of the suspensory ligaments of the spleen, resulting in its migration to any abdominal or pelvic position. A 43-year-old woman presented with symptoms of acute abdominal pain. At physical examination, a splenomegaly was found in the left hypochondria, thereafter followed by a secondary migration of the lump to a periumbilical location. Computed tomography revealed a wandering spleen with vascular pedicle torsion. Splenopexia was perfomed. A wandering spleen is most frequently observed in children and young women. This rare diagnosis should be considered facing a recurrent abdominal pain syndrome, a splenomegaly accompanied with pain, or a pelvic lump. A wandering spleen may lead to torsion of the vascular pedicle of the spleen, a chronic volvulus with portal hypertension, or even a splenic infarction. The diagnosis is performed by computed tomography. Wandering spleen is treated surgically, by splenopexy or splenectomy.