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Cureus Dec 2023The report highlights a rare instance of colonic volvulus due to a wandering spleen. Wandering spleen is characterized by the displacement of the spleen due to absent or...
The report highlights a rare instance of colonic volvulus due to a wandering spleen. Wandering spleen is characterized by the displacement of the spleen due to absent or weakened ligaments due to congenital factors or acquired factors such as pregnancy or prior surgery leading to ligament disruption. The 26-year-old patient presented with severe abdominal pain and distention, leading to a diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus secondary to the wandering spleen. This case underscores the importance of considering the wandering spleen in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen, especially in patients with a surgical history of gastric sleeve resection. The article emphasizes the critical role of imaging in diagnosis and the necessity of timely surgical intervention to prevent severe complications. The case contributes to a broader understanding of the wandering spleen, particularly in post-surgical contexts, highlighting diagnostic challenges and management strategies.
PubMed: 38222125
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50447 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jul 2024Wandering spleen (WS) is a rare clinical condition found in less than 0.5 % of splenectomies and is characterized by ectopic location of the spleen within the abdomen...
INTRODUCTION
Wandering spleen (WS) is a rare clinical condition found in less than 0.5 % of splenectomies and is characterized by ectopic location of the spleen within the abdomen or pelvis. It is always caused by excessive mobility brought on by the ligamentous laxity of its peritoneal attachments. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography are the key imaging modalities for inquiry of WS.
CASE PRESENTATION
We report the case of a 47-year-old woman who presented with painless abdominal swelling since the age of 6 years. An abdominal examination revealed a palpable, firm, mobile mass in the right lower abdomen approximately 15 × 15 cm in dimensions. A contrast CT scan of the abdomen revealed the absence of the spleen in the left upper quadrant. The patient was managed conservatively and followed for five years with favourable outcome.
DISCUSSION
Failure of the dorsal mesogastrium to merge with the posterior abdominal wall in the second month of embryonic development is one of the reasons for WS. The nonsurgical conservative approach is limited to patients who are high-risk surgical candidates and have minimal symptoms and no complications.
CONCLUSION
The good clinical outcome of our patient suggests that conservative non-surgical approach may be a reasonable alternative to unwarranted surgical intervention in selected clinically stable patients who have no evidence of splenic torsion or infarction, avoiding the possible complications of surgery.
PubMed: 38823227
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109834 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jan 2023Wandering spleen is an uncommon condition marked by splenic hypermobility due to laxity or underdevelopment of the supporting splenic ligaments. Patients may be...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Wandering spleen is an uncommon condition marked by splenic hypermobility due to laxity or underdevelopment of the supporting splenic ligaments. Patients may be asymptomatic, have a palpable mass in the abdomen, or exhibit acute, long-lasting, or sporadic symptoms as a result of the spleen's pedicle torsion. The management should be determined by the spleen's vitality.
CASE PRESENTATION
We report a case of a 29-year-old male who presented with a 5-year history of progressive abdominal swelling, surgically managed as an intrabdominal tumor at a general hospital in Uganda, with a postoperative confirmation of a wandering spleen.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Wandering spleen is a rare condition both in high- and low-income countries. Clinical presentations vary from an asymptomatic abdominal mass to acute abdominal pain due to vascular pedicle torsion leading to splenic infarction. When possible, splenopexy is the procedure of choice, especially in children and in tropical countries, to avoid post-splenectomy sepsis. Splenectomy is the definitive treatment for spleen fracture, spleen infarction, or symptoms that recur after splenopexy.
CONCLUSION
Wandering spleen is a rare differential diagnosis of intrabdominal tumor that must be considered in patients with a palpable abdominal mass with or without acute or chronic abdominal pain. Though a CT scan is the best method to confirm the diagnosis, the radiologist's and surgeon's experience and keenness seem very vital in making the correct diagnosis. Intraoperative complete abdominal exploration by the surgeon is essential to confirm the radiological findings, to enhance the diagnosis, and to make the best treatment decision.
PubMed: 36608635
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107863 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Mar 2024Gastric volvulus is an uncommon potentially life-threatening medical condition characterized by rotation of the stomach or part of the stomach around its longitudinal or...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Gastric volvulus is an uncommon potentially life-threatening medical condition characterized by rotation of the stomach or part of the stomach around its longitudinal or transverse axis. Acute gastric volvulus usually presents with the triads of epigastric pain, nonproductive retching, and inability to pass the nasogastric tube. Diagnosis is assisted with abdominal and chest x-ray and contrast studies.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 53-year-old female presented with abdominal pain of two days duration which started at the epigastric region and later on became diffuse all over the abdomen. She had associated frequent episodes of vomiting which were initially bilious followed by nonproductive retching and low-grade intermittent fever. Abdominal examination showed a distended, diffusely tender abdomen with an ill-defined epigastric mass. Abdominal X-ray showed central abdominal circular opacity continuous with stomach outline. Intraoperative findings revealed perforated gangrenous mesenteroaxial gastric volvulus and splenopancreatic torsion with wandering spleen. Proximal subtotal gastrectomy with esophagogastric anastomosis and splenopexy was performed. The patient was discharged on the 10th postoperative day and had an uneventful post-operative recovery.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Primary gastric volvulus is usually mesenteroaxial with the pylorus commonly rotating anteriorly. Primary gastric volvulus can be associated with congenital asplenia and wandering spleen as both conditions are characterized by absent or loose ligamentous attachments. This case was a mesenteroaxial volvulus with splenopancreatic torsion with a wandering spleen caused by abnormal ligamentous attachments.
CONCLUSION
A high index of suspicion for early diagnosis of gastric volvulus and timely intervention is required to improve treatment outcome.
PubMed: 38308980
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109338 -
Surgical Endoscopy Apr 2016Several laparoscopic approaches to the adrenal gland have been described. We prefer the lateral transabdominal approach. The aim of this study is to evaluate...
BACKGROUND
Several laparoscopic approaches to the adrenal gland have been described. We prefer the lateral transabdominal approach. The aim of this study is to evaluate prospectively the presence of any anatomical and dynamic changes in the spleen after laparoscopic transperitoneal left adrenalectomy (LTLA), which can cause an increased risk of early and late complications.
METHODS
We have evaluated 21 patients before and 6 months after surgery in order to verify the possible presence of a wandering spleen. A clinical and instrumental follow-up [ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance (MR)] were performed. During US protocol, in supine, right lateral, and orthostatic position, the longitudinal and anteroposterior diameter of the spleen and the resistive index within 3 cm of the origin of the splenic artery in three different measurements averaged were measured. MR protocol evaluated, in supine and right lateral position, the splenic volume and its distances from the diaphragm dome and the lateral margin of the costal arch.
RESULTS
p Values calculated for each parameter were not statistically significant. Our results confirm the absence of any anatomical and dynamic changes in the spleen after LTLA.
CONCLUSIONS
The most common complications after laparoscopic adrenalectomy are well known and widely described. Our experience does not exclude the occurrence of a wandering spleen, but allows us to state that a rightful mobilization of the pancreaticosplenic block can avoid this event, and in agreement with other authors, the presence of a wandering spleen remains an isolated complication.
Topics: Adolescent; Adrenal Gland Diseases; Adrenalectomy; Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Laparoscopy; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Prospective Studies; Wandering Spleen; Young Adult
PubMed: 26139504
DOI: 10.1007/s00464-015-4363-y -
Folia Morphologica 2018We present the case of a 16-year-old boy presented with 2-week episode of wor-sening lower abdominal pain. Clinically, there was a tender palpable mass on the suprapubic... (Review)
Review
We present the case of a 16-year-old boy presented with 2-week episode of wor-sening lower abdominal pain. Clinically, there was a tender palpable mass on the suprapubic region. Ultrasonography showed an absent spleen at its usual area, instead suprapubic mass suggestive of ectopic spleen was identified. An emer-gency laparotomy revealed a congested spleen in the pelvic cavity. Splenectomy was undertaken as it was non-viable. The patient was discharged uneventfully with triple vaccinations. We describe this unique entity with its literature review. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 2: 400-402).
Topics: Abdomen, Acute; Adolescent; Female; Humans; Male; Splenectomy; Wandering Spleen
PubMed: 29064546
DOI: 10.5603/FM.a2017.0097 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jan 2021Anatomical variation of the spleen's position in the abdomen, is a rare condition called Wandering Spleen (WS). WS is a vital differential diagnosis in patients...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Anatomical variation of the spleen's position in the abdomen, is a rare condition called Wandering Spleen (WS). WS is a vital differential diagnosis in patients presenting with acute abdomen and diagnosis should be made promptly to prevent development of serious complications.
CASE PRESENTATION
In this article, we report two cases of WS (27 and 20 years old females) presenting with abdominal pain due to splenic torsion. Both Patients underwent splenectomy and discharged with no further complications.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
The presentation of a wandering spleen varies from an asymptomatic mass to an acute abdomen due to torsion and splenic infarction, therefore recognition of this condition can be challenging. Diagnosis depends on imaging studies, and treatment options consist of performing either splenectomy or splenopexy.
CONCLUSION
Concerning the high incidence of splenic torsion and infarction in WS patients, early recognition of this condition and initiation of apt intervention is of great significance.
PubMed: 33373922
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2020.12.039 -
Journal of Radiology Case Reports Oct 2015Wandering spleen is a rare condition, characterized by a mobile spleen that is attached only by an elongated vascular pedicle, allowing it to migrate to any part of the...
Wandering spleen is a rare condition, characterized by a mobile spleen that is attached only by an elongated vascular pedicle, allowing it to migrate to any part of the abdomen or pelvis. Mesenteroaxial gastric volvulus usually occurs in children and may be associated with wandering spleen. Both entities result from abnormal laxity or absence of the peritoneal attachments due to abnormal fusion of the peritoneal mesenteries. Pancreatic volvulus is a very rare anomaly, with only a few isolated case reports described in association with wandering spleen. Anomalous right sided descending and sigmoid colon is a very rare entity and its association with wandering spleen has not been previously reported. We report a case of wandering spleen associated with mesenteroaxial gastric volvulus, pancreatic volvulus and rightward shift of the splenic flexure of the colon and right sided descending and sigmoid colon in a young female.
Topics: Colon, Descending; Colon, Sigmoid; Female; Humans; Intestinal Volvulus; Pancreas; Prognosis; Radiography; Stomach Volvulus; Torsion Abnormality; Wandering Spleen; Young Adult
PubMed: 26629290
DOI: 10.3941/jrcr.v9i10.2475 -
Archive of Clinical Cases 2022Wandering spleen is a rare condition and defined as the spleen that is not in its normal anatomical position due to lack or laxity of suspensory ligaments. Etiological...
Wandering spleen is a rare condition and defined as the spleen that is not in its normal anatomical position due to lack or laxity of suspensory ligaments. Etiological factors are congenital and acquired. Splenic torsion, infraction, and rupture are life-threatening complications of wandering spleen. A 14-year-old girl patient presented to the emergency department with severe pain abdomen for 2 days. On physical examination, a large palpable mass in the mid of the abdomen was found, and CECT confirmed it as torsion of wandering spleen. Emergency exploration is done and splenectomy was done due to non-viability of the spleen. The Post-op period was uneventful. Acute torsion of wandering spleen is an extremely rare clinical entity and patient present in an emergency with clinical features of acute abdomen. They may also present with chronic pain abdomen and abdominal mass. Early diagnosis is vital for the preservation of the spleen. Radiological studies have an important role in an accurate diagnosis. Surgery is the gold standard treatment of wandering spleen. Surgery for splenopexy or splenectomy depends on the condition of the spleen during surgery. Timely diagnosis and interventions are crucial to prevent life-threatening complications of wandering spleen.
PubMed: 35813495
DOI: 10.22551/2022.35.0902.10204 -
JOP : Journal of the Pancreas Jan 2015Wandering spleen is a rare medical entity in which the spleen is orphaned of its usual peritoneal attachments and thus assumes an ever wandering and hypermobile state....
CONTEXT
Wandering spleen is a rare medical entity in which the spleen is orphaned of its usual peritoneal attachments and thus assumes an ever wandering and hypermobile state. This laxity of attachments may even cause torsion of the splenic pedicle. Both gastric volvulus and wandering spleen share a common embryology owing to maldevelopment of the dorsal mesentery. Gastric volvulus complicating a wandering spleen is, however, an extremely unusual association, with a few cases described in literature.
CASE REPORT
We present a case of a young female who presented with acute abdominal pain and vomiting. Radiological imaging revealed a intrathoracic gastric volvulus, torsion in an ectopic spleen, and additionally demonstrated a pancreatic volvulus - an unusual triad, reported only once, causing an acute abdomen.
CONCLUSION
The patient subsequently underwent an emergency surgical laparotomy with splenopexy and gastropexy.
PubMed: 25640790
DOI: 10.6092/1590-8577/2905