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WANDERING SPLEEN PRESENTING AS A RIGHT HYPOCHONDRIAL MASS AND INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION
Abstract
This is a case report of a 23 year old multiparous woman who presented with intestinal
obstruction and a right hypochondrial mass. Laparatomy revealed an infarcted 1.4Kg
spleen in the right lumbar region compressing the ascending colon. There was also ileal
volvulus around the splenic pedicle. This is probably the first documented case of
wandering spleen in the right hypochondrium, presenting as right large bowel obstruction,
to be reported in our region. Wandering spleen is a rare condition, often asymptomatic,
but may present as an acute abdomen. Pre-operative diagnosis is difficult and rarely
made. Laboratory tests are seldom useful, but imaging studies do assist. Up to 1971
only 350 cases had been reported in the western literature. Review of English literature
from 1900 to 1991 reported only 51 cases in children. In our region 11 cases were
reported in Uganda between 1968 and 1971. No other literature is available from our
region. Clinical presentation, aetiology, investigation, and management of wandering
spleen is discussed.
obstruction and a right hypochondrial mass. Laparatomy revealed an infarcted 1.4Kg
spleen in the right lumbar region compressing the ascending colon. There was also ileal
volvulus around the splenic pedicle. This is probably the first documented case of
wandering spleen in the right hypochondrium, presenting as right large bowel obstruction,
to be reported in our region. Wandering spleen is a rare condition, often asymptomatic,
but may present as an acute abdomen. Pre-operative diagnosis is difficult and rarely
made. Laboratory tests are seldom useful, but imaging studies do assist. Up to 1971
only 350 cases had been reported in the western literature. Review of English literature
from 1900 to 1991 reported only 51 cases in children. In our region 11 cases were
reported in Uganda between 1968 and 1971. No other literature is available from our
region. Clinical presentation, aetiology, investigation, and management of wandering
spleen is discussed.
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