Intestinal obstruction caused by splenic volvulus: report of a case

Torsion of a wandering spleen is rare, usually presenting as acute abdomen, and is commonly misdiagnosed. In special cases, ultrasonography, arteriography, and additional scintigraphy are extremely valuable in the preoperative diagnostic management. We herein present an unusual case of torsion of a wandering spleen in a 19-year-old female. The presenting symptom was acute gastrointestinal obstruction due to pressure of the enlarged and ptotic spleen in the pelvis. The intestinal obstruction with signs of peritonitis made a laparatomy with removal of the infarcted spleen imperative. After the operation, the patient made a complete recovery.