Splenic torsion and the prune belly syndrome

Torsion of the spleen is rare, difficult to diagnose, and potentially life-threatening. The simultaneous occurrence of splenic torsion and the prune belly syndrome has been reported only twice in the literature. We report the clinical findings, treatment, and follow-up in a 9-year-old boy with typical features of the prune belly syndrome in whom surgical exploration of the abdomen revealed torsion and infarction of a wandering spleen. The methods used to diagnose and treat splenic torsion are discussed.