Wandering Spleen: An Overview

Publication date: Available online 16 February 2017
Source:Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology
Author(s): David C. Reisner, Constantine M. Burgan
An ectopic (or "wandering") spleen results from abnormal ligamentous laxity failing to fixate the spleen in its normal location in the left upper quadrant. Ligamentous laxity can be acquired due to conditions such as splenomegaly or pregnancy, but is often congenital. As a result of this laxity, there is an elongated vascular pedicle which is prone to torsion and resultant splenic infarction. These patients generally present with abdominal pain and other nonspecific symptoms making the diagnosis very difficult to make clinically. As such, the radiologist plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and care of these patients since often the diagnosis is only considered after imaging.



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