Polysplenia syndrome with semi-annular pancreas, midgut malrotation and interrupted inferior vena cava: A rare adult case report

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Authors: Saber Abdellah Bassel, M. Abdellaoui, Meriem Edderai, Rachida Saouab, Hassan EnNouali, Jamal El Fenni, Ouijdane Zamani
Cited by: 1
References: 9

Abstract

Polysplenia syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly within the heterotaxy spectrum. It is typically diagnosed in childhood due to associated cardiac malformations, whereas detection in adults without cardiovascular involvement is uncommon. We report a 50-year-old woman presenting with recurrent abdominal pain and vomiting. Contrast-enhanced CT demonstrated multiple splenic nodules consistent with polysplenia, a semi-annular pancreas partially encircling the duodenum, midgut malrotation, and absence of the intrahepatic segment of the inferior vena cava (IVC) with azygos/hemiazygos continuation. This constellation of anomalies is unusual in adults and clinically significant. Pancreatic and intestinal malformations may predispose to abdominal symptoms, while vascular variants such as interrupted IVC have important implications for surgical and interventional procedures. CT plays a pivotal role in characterising these abnormalities and guiding safe management. Adult presentation of polysplenia syndrome without cardiac involvement is rare. Awareness of associated gastrointestinal and vascular anomalies is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and intraoperative complications.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Intestinal Malrotation and Obstruction Disorders Vascular anomalies and interventions Congenital Heart Disease Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Radiology Case Reports
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
21
Issue
4
Pages
1456–1460
Publication date
15 January 2026
Language
EN