Accessory splenic infarction presenting as acute abdominal pain: A case report.

INTRODUCTION

Accessory spleens are a common anatomical variant, consisting of ectopic splenic tissue present in different locations in the peritoneal cavity. Typically asymptomatic, the presence of these tissue grows to be of clinical importance when complicated by infarction, rupture, or torsion.

PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report the case of a 36-year-old female that presented to the Emergency Department for diffuse abdominal pain and was found to have a partially ruptured splenule secondary to a venous infarct on abdominal computed tomography scan. The patient was admitted to the hospital for pain management and further workup. Her hospital stay was uncomplicated with complete resolution of symptoms after 5 days.

DISCUSSION: The usually asymptomatic accessory spleen can present in case of infarction with vague symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. It is triggered by conditions such hematologic disorders, embolic disorders, vascular disorders, and trauma. Oral contraceptive pills increase thrombosis risk by affecting coagulation factors, making them a potential cause of infarction. Diagnosis typically involves CT imaging, and treatment ranges from supportive care to surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

Accessory spleen infarction, although rare, is a diagnosis that should be considered in the assessment of a patient presenting to the emergency with acute abdominal pain.