Splenic torsion and accessory spleen: a scintigraphic demonstration

Torsion of the spleen with subsequent splenic infarction is a rare condition. Of 1413 splenectomies performed on patients under the age of 16 yr, only 4 were performed for management of torsion of the spleen. Accessory spleen is a rather frequent finding. In the same study, 229 children (16 percent) had one or more accessory spleens and its scintigraphic assessment is well known. The clinical picture of torsion of the spleen can vary considerably and in the extreme case can resemble an acute intestinal obstruction. Roentgenologically, torsion of the spleen shows a mass lesion on the plain film of the abdomen. Recently, Rosenthall et al. mentioned the use of a splenic scan in an adult with torsion of the spleen; angiography showed an abnormal twisted splenic artery and nonvisualization of the splenic vein