Wandering spleen with torsion in a geriatric patient. Report of an unusual case with a brief review of the clinical picture and management.

Wandering spleen is a rare condition that is extremely uncommon in the elderly. A case of wandering spleen with torsion in a 73-year-old female is described in detail. Our patient's presentation is unusual because in 1972, during a total hysterectomy, she had no evidence of a wandering spleen. Preoperative technetium-99 radionuclide liver-spleen studies were utilized to minimize the potential for vascular difficulties. Splenectomy was the treatment of choice for this condition and was performed to avoid splenic infarction. A review of the literature and etiologic considerations are discussed.