Acute splenic pedicle torsion involving pancreatic tail: case report and computed tomography diagnostic role

Background: Wandering spleen is an unusual condition characterized by hypermobility of the spleen. Excessive mobility can cause torsion of the vascular pedicle with subsequent complications such as ischemia and necrosis. Clinical manifestations can vary from asymptomatic to abdominal emergency and treatment is often surgical. Case Presentation: We presented a case report of splenic torsion in a 24-year-old woman with complaints of upper abdominal pain associated with mild left hypochondrial tenderness. Laboratory testing and ultrasound were completely negative making the diagnosis difficult. A computed tomography (CT) scan was carried out due to worsening symptoms and it demonstrated a splenic torsion with involvement of the distal part of the pancreatic tail. Surgery was performed by laparoscopic splenectomy. No signs of pancreatitis were found. Conclusion: Splenic torsion is a rare but important differential diagnosis in patients with an acute abdomen and CT is often necessary to achieve the correct diagnosis and exclude possible complications.