Splenic torsion. An unusual cause of splenomegaly

Abstract

A 28-year-old woman who presented with acute abdominal pain and splenomegaly was found to have little functioning splenic tissue on liver-spleen scan but a large homogeneous spleen by computerized axial tomography. Laparotomy revealed torsion of the splenic pedicle and extensive splenic infarction. The presentation, pathophysiology, and diagnostic difficulties of this case are discussed. Splenic torsion should be considered in the differential diagnosis of painful splenomegaly.