# Wandering spleen presenting as a pelvic mass: A rare case report and literature review

**Authors:** Hajar Siouri, Hajar Betari, Amal Mojahid, Nadia El Mahi, Hamid Ziani, Nasri Siham, Imane Kamaoui, Imane Skiker

PMC · DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2025.05.063 · Radiology Case Reports · 2025-06-20

## TL;DR

A 15-year-old girl with a rare wandering spleen presented as a pelvic mass, highlighting the importance of imaging and timely surgical management.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the limited literature on wandering spleen presenting as a pelvic mass in adolescents.

## Key findings

- Abdominal CT identified an enlarged ectopic spleen in the pelvis with a long vascular pedicle.
- Splenopexy is recommended for uncomplicated cases to preserve spleen function.
- Early diagnosis can prevent complications like torsion or infarction.

## Abstract

Wandering spleen is a rare condition caused by the absence or laxity of the ligaments that normally hold the spleen in place, resulting in its abnormal mobility within the abdominal or pelvic cavity. We report the case of a 15-year-old girl who presented with acute abdominal pain and nonspecific clinical findings. Abdominal CT revealed an enlarged ectopic spleen in the pelvic region with a long, tortuous vascular pedicle, but no signs of torsion or infarction. This case highlights the variable clinical presentation of wandering spleen, which can range from incidental discovery to acute abdomen, with imaging particularly CT being crucial for diagnosis. In uncomplicated cases, splenopexy is preferred to preserve splenic function, whereas splenectomy is reserved for infarcted or nonviable spleens. The case underscores the importance of considering wandering spleen in adolescents with unexplained abdominal pain and demonstrates how early diagnosis and conservative surgical management can prevent serious complications.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** wandering spleen (MONDO:0042963)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** pelvic mass (MESH:C536030), torsion (MESH:D050723), infarction (MESH:D007238), Wandering spleen (MESH:D050805), ectopic spleen (MESH:D013160), abdominal pain (MESH:D015746)

## Full text

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## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12221586/full.md

## References

9 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12221586/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12221586