The left gastro-omental vessels are able to maintain the entire spleen blood supply

Os vasos gastromentais esquerdos são capazes de manter o suprimento sanguíneo de todo o baço

Abstract

The spleen is supplied by blood flow through the splenic artery and vein. The purpose of this communication is to report an ectopic spleen supplied only by reverse flow through the left gastro-omental vessels. A 14-year-old boy presented with pelvic splenomegaly supplied only by the left gastro-omental artery and veins connected to the inferior polar vessels, which were the only vessels communicating with the spleen. After detorsion of the spleen and splenopexy, the spleen returned to normal dimensions. The patient had uneventful follow-up. In conclusion, the left gastroepiploic vessels are able to maintain the entire spleen blood supply.

Keywords:
wandering spleen; splenomegaly; gastro-omental vessels; inferior polar vessels; blood supply