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Case Reports
. 2025 Jan 31;19(1):41.
doi: 10.1186/s13256-024-05003-2.

Splenic infarction following torsion of wandering spleen involving pancreatic tail successfully managed in resource limited setting: a case report

Abel Gashaw Wubie  1 , Berhanu Yirga  2 , Martha H Goedert  3
Affiliations
Case Reports

Splenic infarction following torsion of wandering spleen involving pancreatic tail successfully managed in resource limited setting: a case report

Abel Gashaw Wubie et al. J Med Case Rep. .

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Wandering spleen is a rare condition characterized by the extreme laxity or absence of ligaments that normally secure the organ in its anatomical position in the left upper quadrant. Torsion of a wandering spleen is an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain and is rarely diagnosed preoperatively. Torsion involving the distal pancreas is even more unusual. Although patient presentations can be atypical, early diagnosis and prompt intervention can lead to successful outcomes.

Case presentation: A 40-year-old Black female patient of Amhara ethnicity, from Ethiopia, presented with dull, aching abdominal pain and episodes of vomiting. After initial physiological stabilization and radiologic evaluation, laparotomy was performed, revealing torsion of a wandering spleen with involvement of the pancreatic tail, accompanied by adhesions of the small bowel and omentum. Following the release of adhesions, a splenectomy was performed. The patient was discharged in stable condition and continued to do well during follow-up visits.

Conclusion: Despite its rarity and potential for atypical presentations, a high index of suspicion for torsion of a wandering spleen is essential, particularly in patients with risk factors. With prompt diagnosis and timely intervention, patients with this condition can achieve favorable outcomes.

Keywords: Splenectomy; Splenic infarction; Torsion; Wandering spleen.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Ethical approval for this study (protocol no. 588/2022, with assigned number 003) was provided by the Ethical Committee of Bahir Dar University College of Medicine And Heath Sciences, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia on 2 November 2022. Consent for publication: Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal. Competing interests: The authors declared no competing interests.

Figures

Figure. 1
Figure. 1
Intraoperative picture showing adhesion of the small bowel and omentum to the splenic hilum and twisted vascular pedicle
Figure. 2
Figure. 2
Intraoperative picture showing small bowel, omentum, and splenic hilum after adhesions released
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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