Colonic obstruction caused by adhesive splenomegaly: report of a case.

Abstract

Splenomegaly caused by hematologic or infectious diseases is a well-known complication that may cause discomfort because of increased intra-abdominal pressure; however, complete obstruction of the large bowel usually never occurs. We present a case of a 76-year-old male with polycythemia vera admitted with symptoms of complete colonic obstruction. At operation, the descending colon was found to be completely obstructed by a large adhesive spleen. Incision of the adhesions, complete colonoscopy, and mobilization of the colon was performed. Afterward, the patient had a normal colonic function; however, four days later he had a magnetic resonance-confirmed cerebral thrombosis followed by an episode of aspiration pneumonia, which he died of ten days after the operation. Colonic obstruction caused by splenomegaly is extremely rare, but may happen in patients with hematologic diseases.