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Volvulus of a wandering spleen in a pediatric patient
Dolores Ferrara1, Gianfranco Vallone2, Silvana Russo3
1Department of Radiology, "A.O.R.N. Santobono-Pausilipon" Children Hospital, Naples, Italy.
Insights
Wandering spleen, a rare pediatric condition, can lead to splenic torsion. Early ultrasound diagnosis is crucial for prompt surgical intervention to prevent severe complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Wandering spleen is a rare pediatric condition resulting from weakened splenic ligaments.
- It can present with variable symptoms, with splenic torsion occurring in 64% of cases.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old boy presented with hypogastric pain, vomiting, and a suprapubic mass.
- Ultrasound revealed an ovoid structure with altered echotexture and reduced vascularization, suggesting splenic torsion.
Findings:
- Ultrasound is vital for diagnosing wandering spleen and associated complications like torsion.
- The case highlights the diagnostic utility of ultrasound in identifying splenic torsion.
Implications:
- Prompt surgical intervention is essential for managing wandering spleen with torsion to avoid life-threatening outcomes.
- Early diagnosis and surgical management can prevent splenic infarction and other severe complications.
Abstract:
Wandering spleen is a rare condition in children that is often caused by the loss or weakening of the splenic ligaments. Its clinical presentation is variable; 64% of children with wandering spleen have splenic torsion as a complication. A 13-year-old boy who had been showing abdominal pain in the hypogastric region accompanied by vomit and an enormous tumefaction in the suprapubic region came to our observation. Considering the ovoid morphology at ultrasound exam, the echostructure and the marked reduction of parenchymal vascularization, suspicion for torsion of an ectopic spleen arose. Ultrasound evaluation has a primary role in the diagnosis of a suspected wandering spleen and, to avoid potentially life-threatening complications, immediate surgery is often times required.
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