Wandering Accessory Spleen and Its Implications for Modern Clinical Practice

Area of Science:

• Surgical Pathology
• Abdominal Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• A wandering accessory spleen (WAS) is an ectopic spleen with a mobile vascular pedicle.
• Mobility can be congenital or acquired due to splenomegaly or pregnancy.
• WAS presents diagnostic and management challenges due to its rarity and mobility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinical presentation and outcomes of surgically managed wandering accessory spleen.
• To identify common symptoms and complications associated with WAS.
• To review the diagnostic accuracy and surgical management strategies for WAS.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive desk research methodology was employed.
• Statistical analysis was utilized to assess outcomes.
• Review of 12 surgically managed cases of WAS.

Main Results:

• 12 cases of WAS were identified, predominantly in women (11/12).
• Abdominal pain was the most frequent symptom (11/12 patients).
• Preoperative diagnosis was achieved in only 3 of 12 cases; torsion was the most common complication.

Conclusions:

• Wandering accessory spleen is a rare anomaly with varied clinical presentations.
• Symptoms can mimic abdominal neoplasms, complicating diagnosis.
• Torsion is the most common pathology, particularly in younger patients, necessitating timely intervention.