Wandering spleen
Appearance
Aetiology
[edit | edit source]- Congenital failure of spleen to form normal peritoneal attachments, through failure of fusion of dorsal mesogastrium to posterior abdominal wall
- Acquired defects in peritoneal attachments in multiparous women, due to hormonal changes and abdominal laxity
Pathophysiology
[edit | edit source]- Both aetiological theories lead to a long pedicle which is prone to torsion
Presentation
[edit | edit source]- Intermittent abdominal pain
- Splenomegaly from venous congestion
- Mobile mass may be palpable on examination
- Diagnosed on CT - spleen located outside its usual position. Check for perfusion.
Treatment
[edit | edit source]- Splenectomy
- Splenopexy