Splenic infarction from vascular torsion in a child with normal splenic anatomy

Abstract

This is a case of an 8-year-old, Caucasian boy with a complex prior medical history who presented with worsening, acute, left-sided abdominal pain and fever after empiric treatment for a urinary tract infection. Repeat urinalysis was negative for infection. A renal ultrasound assessing for occult perinephric abscess or nephronia revealed normal kidneys but found a tubular structure adjacent to the left kidney. A CT scan further revealed a splenic infarction secondary to torsion. He had a surgical evaluation but was treated empirically with piperacillin/tazobactam for 10 days due to concern for infectious complications following splenic infarction. He had complete resolution of his pain and symptoms. He received routine vaccines for asplenia prior to being discharged home without any further sequelae.

Keywords: gastrointestinal system; medical education; paediatrics; preventative pediatrics; surgery.