Torsion of the wandering spleen: CT and angiographic appearance

Abstract

Objective: To seek CT and angiographic appearances that characterize torsion of the wandering spleen.

Materials and methods: The CT and angiographic findings of two cases of preoperatively diagnosed torsion of the wandering spleen were reviewed, and the findings were closely compared with intraoperative and histopathological findings.

Results: Characteristic CT appearance seemed to be a whirled appearance formed at the medial side of the displaced spleen. The angiographic finding that was characteristic of the disease was a tapered and abruptly twisted distal splenic artery.

Conclusion: These findings were useful in making the early and correct diagnosis of this rare but fulminant condition.