ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2012;18:160-2 | Number 2, April 2012
CASE REPORT
Acute torsion of a wandering spleen
Y Lam, Kenny KY Yuen, LC Chong
Department of Surgery, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
 
 
The 'wandering spleen' is a rare condition due to extreme laxity or absence of ligaments that fix the organ in its normal anatomical position within the left upper quadrant. Without early surgical intervention, wandering spleen can lead to torsion and subsequent splenic infarction or rupture. Clinical suspicion plus urgent investigation and intervention are important, so as to salvage the spleen and prevent complications. We present a case of torsion of a wandering spleen in a 21-year-old young woman, who presented with a painful pelvic mass. We also reviewed the literature on this entity.
 
Key words: Pelvis; Spleen; Splenic diseases; Tomography, X-ray computed; Torsion; Wandering spleen
 
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