Wandering spleen in a postpartum female: a case report

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Wandering spleen (WS) is a rare condition that occurs when the spleen is not in its normal anatomical location, but in the abdominal or pelvic cavity. The mechanism of this condition may be due to dysfunction of ligaments that fixate the spleen in its position. Female hormonal alterations during pregnancy and other unknown causes in children may also play role in an ectopic spleen. Case presentation: The authors report a case of a 34-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with intermittent abdominal pain that persisted after childbirth without other symptoms. Clinical discussion: Clinically the symptoms are varied and abdominal pain is the most common presentation. Radiological investigation of WS include ultrasound, MRI, and CT, which is the most preferred tool. Treatments after the diagnosis include splenectomy or splenopexy either through laparoscopy or laparotomy. Conclusion: Physicians should include ectopic spleen as a differential diagnosis in a multiparous woman with the presentation of acute or chronic abdominal pain.