The wandering spleen: case report of laparoscopic splenectomy in a pregnant woman

Abstract

Background Wandering spleen is a rare condition, which is characterized by augmented mobility of the spleen, due to congenital or acquired causes. It is more frequent in multiparous women, but only a few cases are reported during pregnancy. Wandering spleen is usually asymptomatic until the onset of its possible complications, and this can mislead clinicians in reaching the correct diagnosis. Case presentation We report the case of a wandering spleen with acute splenic infarction in a pregnant woman and its minimally invasive surgical treatment, focusing on the clinical and radiological findings that could mislead or drive clinicians to the right diagnosis, or a potential disaster. Conclusions Splenic preservation in the wandering spleen where it is safe and possible is the main goal of the treatment. Clinical and radiological findings are the most relevant elements to drive surgical treatment. To reach the best and opportune treatment for the patient, the wandering spleen is an insidious condition and must be included in the differential diagnosis in the acute abdomen diagnostic process.