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Case Reports
. 2010 Jul;92(5):W51-2.
doi: 10.1308/147870810X12699662980592. Epub 2010 Jun 7.

Splenic torsion: a case report

M Hussain  1 , R Deshpande, S T R Bailey
Affiliations
Case Reports

Splenic torsion: a case report

M Hussain et al. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2010 Jul.

Abstract

Introduction: Torsion of the spleen is a rare cause of abdominal pain. Predisposition occurs following abnormal development of splenic suspensory ligaments. We report a case of splenic torsion in a spleen sited in a normal anatomical position and discuss the latest treatment options. To the best of our knowledge, this has not been reported in the literature to date.

Case presentation: A 73-year-old Caucasian woman presented to our department with sudden onset, severe, left-upper abdominal pain. An enhanced computed tomography revealed an unenhancing spleen. She underwent an urgent laparotomy and splenectomy for 360 degrees torsion of her spleen.

Conclusions: Splenic torsion in a wandering spleen has been described with an incidence of < 0.2%. Symptoms vary from asymptomatic to an acute surgical abdomen. Diagnosis is commonly made using colour Doppler sonography or enhanced computed tomography. Surgery is guided by clinical setting, with preservation of the spleen as the goal.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The ischaemic spleen twisted around at its pedicle and without ligamentous attachments.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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