Dynamic MRI in the diagnosis and post surgical evaluation of wandering spleen

Abdominopelvic ectopic spleen with a comprehensive imaging examination: a case report

Ectopic spleen is a rare clinical malformation in which the spleen is relocated from its normal anatomical position to other parts of the abdomen. We report a rare case of abdominopelvic ectopic spleen caused by splenic ligament deficiency. A patient experienced intermittent pain in the left upper abdomen that was progressively aggravated. This was confirmed by comprehensive imaging examinations and postoperative pathology. We also performed a review of the literature on the current state of the field. Our data may help to improve the diagnosis and treatment of ectopic spleen.

Laparoscopic splenectomy for a simultaneous wandering spleen along with an ectopic accessory spleen. Case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Wandering spleen and accessory spleen are uncommon entity occurring during embryonic development. Wandering spleen results in an excessive mobility and migration of the spleen from its normal position in the left hypochondrium while accessory spleen is characterized by ectopic splenic masses or tissue disjointed from the main body of spleen. Due to the nonspecific and multiple symptoms the clinical diagnosis of both conditions is uncertain even with imaging techniques, such as CT and MRI. The coexistence of both diseases (wandering spleen ad accessory spleen) is uncommon.

CASE REPORT

A 17-year old European female with a history of minor beta thalassemia and recurrent attacks of abdominal pain. Pre- operative management consisted of routine laboratory tests, ultrasound, CT scan. An ectopic spleen along with an accessory spleen were diagnosed. After a multidisciplinary board a laparoscopic splenectomy was performed. Post-operative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the 6th post-operative day with the indication to continue the therapy with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for 30 days CONCLUSIONS: This case represents a simultaneous condition of wandering splenomegaly along with an ectopic wandering spleen. The coexistence of these two rare conditions is peculiar such as the age of the patient, as literature reports such diseases to affect children or more commonly people in the range of 20-40 years of age. Laparoscopic treatment for this particular condition is also unusual.

Acute torsion of wandering spleen in a 17-year-old girl

The acute torsion of wandering spleen is a very rare disease characterized by acute abdominal pain. Without early surgical intervention, wandering spleen can lead to splenic infarction or rupture. However, early clinical diagnosis is very difficult, so imaging modalities play an important role. We present a case of acute abdominal pain due to torsion of the wandering spleen in a 17-year-old girl, diagnosed by computed tomography and effectively managed by splenectomy for splenic infarction.