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Lepore F, Di Sabatino A, Maconi G. A case of symptomatic intramesenteric accessory spleen: The diagnostic role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound. ULTRASOUND (LEEDS, ENGLAND) 2023; 31:312-316. [PMID: 37929251 PMCID: PMC10621489 DOI: 10.1177/1742271x221147728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Accessory spleen is a congenital defect characterised by a separated ectopic splenic parenchyma usually located in the splenic hilum and the tail of the pancreas. It is present in about 10%-30% of the population and, generally, does not cause any symptoms. Case report We report an interesting case of a woman with symptomatic intramesenteric accessory spleen detected and characterised by contrast-enhanced ultrasound. The patient experienced a long history of intermittent pain in the left upper abdomen. The diagnosis was confirmed by post-operative pathology examination. Discussion Accessory spleen usually appears as a well-circumscribed ovoid mass, 1-3 cm in diameter, infrequently located in the mesentery. It may rarely become symptomatic because of complications. Diagnosis of this condition as a cause of abdominal is difficult and rarely has been made pre-operatively. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging might help, but they should be performed with intravenous contrast injection, and they cannot provide direct evidence between the pain of the patient and the lesion. Conversely, real-time ultrasound can assess and diagnose the lesion showing the exact correspondence with abdominal pain of the patient. Furthermore, ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound are widely available, safe and relatively inexpensive. Conclusion Apart from the rarity of this condition, this case report demonstrates the ability of ultrasound to localise the intramesenteric accessory spleen, assess the relationship between the lesion and the symptoms of the patient, and characterise the lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Lepore
- Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Sabatino
- Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Maconi
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy
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Subunca R, Sriluxayini M, Priyatharsan K, Mayorathan U, Vinojan S, Heerthikan K. Splenic torsion, a challenging diagnosis in an adult presenting with acute abdomen. Int J Surg Case Rep 2023; 111:108898. [PMID: 37797525 PMCID: PMC10558308 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Wandering spleen (WS) is a rare condition, occurring in only 0.2 % of cases, where the spleen becomes hypermobile due to the absence or laxity of its anchoring ligaments. Torsion of the spleen, primarily seen in children but occasionally in adults, is a critical complication that can lead to infarction and is considered a medical emergency. CLINICAL PRESENTATION We present a case report of a 50-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes and psychiatric illness presented with 2 days of vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration. Physical examination showed a tender mass in the abdomen and imaging confirmed a twisted spleen with a thrombosed splenic vein, leading to a successful emergency splenectomy. The patient had an uncomplicated recovery and was discharged with post-splenectomy protocol. DISCUSSION Splenic torsion, a rare occurrence primarily observed in children. Clinical diagnosis is aided by palpable abdominal masses and confirmed by radiological imaging. The gold standard diagnostic tool is contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), whereas Ultrasonography (USG) is equally good in early assessment. Early identification is crucial to salvage the spleen. Management options include detorsion, splenopexy, or splenectomy depending on the organ viability. Elective splenopexy has emerged as a proactive measure, particularly in children, to prevent complications. CONCLUSION Splenic torsion is a rare but important differential diagnosis in patients presenting with acute abdomen. Early diagnosis and prompt management is necessary to preserve the spleen and to prevent the development of complication. Surgery is often necessary and either splenopexy or splenectomy should be done.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Subunca
- Department of Radiology, Teaching Hospital Jaffna, Sri Lanka
| | - M Sriluxayini
- Department of Radiology, Teaching Hospital Jaffna, Sri Lanka
| | - K Priyatharsan
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
| | - U Mayorathan
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Teaching of Hospital, Sri Lanka
| | - S Vinojan
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka
| | - K Heerthikan
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka
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Wu T, Chen S, Qin L, Zhang M. IMAGING MANIFESTATIONS OF WANDERING SPLEEN WITH TORSION. J Emerg Med 2023; 65:e330-e334. [PMID: 37716902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A wandering spleen (WS) is a rare clinical entity characterized by a spleen located in the lower part of the abdomen or the pelvic cavity rather than the normal anatomical site. The complications of a wandering spleen include splenic torsion, splenic infarction, and adjacent visceral injury. CASE REPORT We present a case of a male patient admitted to the emergency department with vomiting, nausea, and persistent lower abdominal pain. Computed tomography and ultrasound were performed and were used to diagnose a wandering spleen with torsion leading to splenic infarctions. Subsequently, laparoscopic surgery and pathology confirmed this diagnosis. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Ultrasound and computed tomography scans play a significant role in diagnosing WS and its complications, allowing an emergency physician to establish treatment options for WS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tangna Wu
- Department of Ultrasonography, Hainan General Hospital/Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, P. R. China
| | - Shaopiao Chen
- Department of Ultrasonography, Hainan General Hospital/Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, P. R. China
| | - Lingling Qin
- Department of Ultrasonography, Hainan General Hospital/Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, P. R. China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Ultrasonography, Hainan General Hospital/Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, P. R. China.
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Wang Z, Peng C, Wu D, Wang K, Chen Y. Diagnosis and treatment of splenic torsion in children: preoperative thrombocytosis predicts splenic infarction. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:440. [PMID: 35864485 PMCID: PMC9306085 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03484-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pediatric splenic torsion is a rare entity, and the most common cause is wandering spleen. This study aimed to summarize our clinical experience in the diagnosis and surgical treatment pediatric patients with splenic torsion, and to use preoperative thrombocytosis as a preoperative predictive factor for splenic infarction. Methods From January 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2021, 6 children diagnosed as splenic torsion were included. All patients were surgically treated and followed up. The clinical data was collected including clinical presentations, laboratory tests, imaging results, surgical procedures, and prognosis. Clinical experience of diagnosis and surgical treatment were summarized. Results There were 4 females and 2 males, with median age at surgery 102.6 (range 9.4–170.7) months. Abdominal pain and abdominal mass were the most common presentations. The diagnosis of splenic torsion depended on imaging studies, and adjacent organ involvement (gastric and pancreas torsion) was observed on contrast CT in one patient. Five patients were diagnosed as torsion of wandering spleen, and one was torsion of wandering accessory spleen. Emergent laparoscopic or open splenectomy was performed in all patients. Pathology revealed total splenic infarction in 4 patients, partial infarction in 1 patient, and viable spleen with congestion and hemorrhage in 1 patient. Preoperative platelet counts were elevated in all 4 patients with splenic infarction, but normal in the rest 2 with viable spleen. Postoperative transient portal vein branch thromboembolism occurred in one patient. Conclusions Imaging modalities are crucial for the diagnosis of pediatric splenic torsion and adjacent organ involvement. Preoperative thrombocytosis may predict splenic infarction. Spleen preserving surgery should be seriously considered over splenectomy in patients with a viable spleen. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-022-03484-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengmeng Wang
- General Surgery Department of Beijing Children's Hospital, National Center for Children's Health, Capital Medical University, 56# Nanlishi Road, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Chunhui Peng
- General Surgery Department of Beijing Children's Hospital, National Center for Children's Health, Capital Medical University, 56# Nanlishi Road, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Dongyang Wu
- General Surgery Department of Beijing Children's Hospital, National Center for Children's Health, Capital Medical University, 56# Nanlishi Road, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Kai Wang
- General Surgery Department of Beijing Children's Hospital, National Center for Children's Health, Capital Medical University, 56# Nanlishi Road, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Yajun Chen
- General Surgery Department of Beijing Children's Hospital, National Center for Children's Health, Capital Medical University, 56# Nanlishi Road, Beijing, 100045, China.
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Imawari K, Uojima H, Hayama K, Toshimitsu F, Sanoyama I, Iwasaki S, Wada N, Kubota K, Hidaka H, Nakazawa T, Shibuya A, Suzuki T, Kumamoto Y, Saegusa M. Splenectomy for Torsion of a Wandering Spleen in a Patient with Myeloproliferative Disease. Intern Med 2022; 61:2143-2148. [PMID: 34897151 PMCID: PMC9381354 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.8391-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We herein report a rare case of torsion of a wandering spleen in a patient with myeloproliferative disease. A 66-year-old Japanese woman presented to our hospital with abdominal pain and a fever. She had a medical history of polycythemia and secondary myelofibrosis. Abdominal enhanced computed tomography showed an enlarged spleen without enhancement in the lower pelvic region. The clinical diagnosis was severe torsion of a wandering spleen in a patient with myeloproliferative disease, necessitating surgical intervention. Splenectomy was performed after de-rotating to revascularize the spleen. After the operation, the platelet count gradually increased, and aspirin was administered to prevent thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Imawari
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Haruki Uojima
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kei Hayama
- Department of Hematology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Fujio Toshimitsu
- Department of Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Itaru Sanoyama
- Department of Pathology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Shuichiro Iwasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Naohisa Wada
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kousuke Kubota
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hisashi Hidaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Takahide Nakazawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Akitaka Shibuya
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Takahiro Suzuki
- Department of Hematology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kumamoto
- Department of Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Makoto Saegusa
- Department of Pathology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Japan
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Maienza E, Chereau N, Menegaux F. Surgical Management of a Volvulus of a Wandering Spleen Associated with a Volvulus of the Small Intestine. Case Rep Surg 2022; 2022:8696492. [PMID: 35492869 PMCID: PMC9054486 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8696492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction A wandering spleen is a rare anatomical condition characterized by a free-floating splenic tissue that is not located in its normal position in the left upper quadrant. This condition is usually asymptomatic but can also manifest itself with volvulus of the spleen and consequent infarction and necrosis of the parenchyma, requiring an urgent surgical management. Additionally, a wandering spleen can be associated with other contemporaneous anatomical anomalies. Case Presentation. We report a case of a 21-year-old woman, admitted to our hospital for intense abdominal pain and vomiting. A CT scan revealed a wandering spleen in the mesogastric area with the spleen torted on its axis, associated with a volvulus of the small intestine. Abdominal exploration revealed a macroscopically normal free-floating spleen attached to an abnormally long vascular pedicle. The management of the wandering spleen was conservative, and a splenopexy was performed. Conclusions The torsion of the wandering spleen constitutes an infrequent but life-threatening abdominal emergency. The diagnosis of the wandering spleen is frequently challenging since clinical findings are usually not specific. Imaging such as computed tomography scan plays an important role in the differential diagnosis pathway. Treatment should be planned according to the splenic parenchyma conditions. Splenectomy is indicated when massive infarction and thrombosis of splenic vessels have occurred. When splenic parenchyma is not compromised, it is preferred to perform a conservative surgical technique, such as splenopexy, in order to avoid postsplenectomy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Maienza
- Department of General and Endocrine Surgery, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, APHP, Sorbonne University, 47-83 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Chereau
- Department of General and Endocrine Surgery, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, APHP, Sorbonne University, 47-83 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, Paris, France
| | - Fabrice Menegaux
- Department of General and Endocrine Surgery, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, APHP, Sorbonne University, 47-83 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, Paris, France
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