Wandering spleen torsion with portal vein thrombosis: A case report

World J Clin Cases. 2023 Oct 6;11(28):6955-6960. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i28.6955.

Abstract

Background: Wandering spleen is rare clinically. It is characterized by displacement of the spleen in the abdominal and pelvic cavities and can have congenital or acquired causes. Wandering spleen involves serious complications, such as spleen torsion. The clinical symptoms range from asymptomatic abdominal mass to acute abdominal pain. Surgery is required after diagnosis. Cases of wandering spleen torsion with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) are rare. There is no report on how to eliminate PVT in such cases.

Case summary: Ultrasound and computed tomography revealed a diagnosis of wandering spleen torsion with PVT in a 31-year-old woman with a history of childbirth 16 mo previously who received emergency treatment for upper abdominal pain. She recovered well after splenectomy and portal vein thrombectomy combined with continuous anticoagulation, and the PVT disappeared.

Conclusion: Rare and nonspecific conditions, such as wandering splenic torsion with PVT, must be diagnosed and treated early. Patients with complete splenic infarction require splenectomy. Anticoagulation therapy and individualized management for PVT is feasible.

Keywords: Case report; Portal vein thrombosis; Splenic torsion; Wandering spleen.

Publication types

  • Case Reports