Wandering spleen with torsion and gastric volvulus.

Abstract

Wandering spleen, defined as a spleen without its usual peritoneal attachments, is a rare entity, particularly in children. It usually occurs in those aged 20 to 40 years, and most cases occur in women. Patients usually become symptomatic when torsion of the splenic pedicle occurs. Gastric volvulus, like wandering spleen, is also related to anomalies of intraperitoneal visceral attachments. However, cases of wandering spleen associated with gastric volvulus are rare. We report a case of wandering spleen with torsion and gastric volvulus. The patient was a 4-year-old girl who presented with acute intractable vomiting and abdominal pain. Exploratory laparotomy was performed under the impression of wandering spleen with torsion. The gastric volvulus was found intraoperatively. Following splenectomy and gastropexy, Haemophilus influenza type b and pneumococcus vaccination and prophylactic antibiotics were given. She recovered uneventfully and had no signs of illness or ongoing infection at 1-year follow-up after the operation.

• Authors: Chien-Heng Lin, Shu-Fen Wu, Wei-Ching Lin, An-Chyi Chen
• Journal: Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi (J Formos Med Assoc) Vol. 104 Issue 10 Pg. 755-8 (Oct 2005) ISSN: 0929-6646 [Print] Singapore
• PMID: 16385380 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Child, Preschool
• Female
• Humans
• Splenectomy
• Stomach Volvulus (diagnosis, surgery)
• Torsion Abnormality
• Wandering Spleen (diagnosis, surgery)