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

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 i...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Abel Gashaw Wubie, Berhanu Yirga, Martha H. Goedert
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-01-01
Series:Journal of Medical Case Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-024-05003-2
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1832571685903007744
author Abel Gashaw Wubie
Berhanu Yirga
Martha H. Goedert
author_facet Abel Gashaw Wubie
Berhanu Yirga
Martha H. Goedert
author_sort Abel Gashaw Wubie
collection DOAJ
description 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.
format Article
id doaj-art-d446c49ff22e4627abbd86123e78249b
institution Kabale University
issn 1752-1947
language English
publishDate 2025-01-01
publisher BMC
record_format Article
series Journal of Medical Case Reports
spelling doaj-art-d446c49ff22e4627abbd86123e78249b2025-02-02T12:25:46ZengBMCJournal of Medical Case Reports1752-19472025-01-011911410.1186/s13256-024-05003-2Splenic infarction following torsion of wandering spleen involving pancreatic tail successfully managed in resource limited setting: a case reportAbel Gashaw Wubie0Berhanu Yirga1Martha H. Goedert2Assistant Professor of General Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar UniversityAssistant Professor of General Surgery, Felege Hiwot Referral HospitalGlobal Health Curriculum, Past Ambassador’s Distinguished Scholar, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar UniversityAbstract 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.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-024-05003-2Wandering spleenTorsionSplenic infarctionSplenectomy
spellingShingle Abel Gashaw Wubie
Berhanu Yirga
Martha H. Goedert
Splenic infarction following torsion of wandering spleen involving pancreatic tail successfully managed in resource limited setting: a case report
Journal of Medical Case Reports
Wandering spleen
Torsion
Splenic infarction
Splenectomy
title Splenic infarction following torsion of wandering spleen involving pancreatic tail successfully managed in resource limited setting: a case report
title_full Splenic infarction following torsion of wandering spleen involving pancreatic tail successfully managed in resource limited setting: a case report
title_fullStr Splenic infarction following torsion of wandering spleen involving pancreatic tail successfully managed in resource limited setting: a case report
title_full_unstemmed Splenic infarction following torsion of wandering spleen involving pancreatic tail successfully managed in resource limited setting: a case report
title_short Splenic infarction following torsion of wandering spleen involving pancreatic tail successfully managed in resource limited setting: a case report
title_sort splenic infarction following torsion of wandering spleen involving pancreatic tail successfully managed in resource limited setting a case report
topic Wandering spleen
Torsion
Splenic infarction
Splenectomy
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-024-05003-2
work_keys_str_mv AT abelgashawwubie splenicinfarctionfollowingtorsionofwanderingspleeninvolvingpancreatictailsuccessfullymanagedinresourcelimitedsettingacasereport
AT berhanuyirga splenicinfarctionfollowingtorsionofwanderingspleeninvolvingpancreatictailsuccessfullymanagedinresourcelimitedsettingacasereport
AT marthahgoedert splenicinfarctionfollowingtorsionofwanderingspleeninvolvingpancreatictailsuccessfullymanagedinresourcelimitedsettingacasereport