What is the term for a spleen located in an abnormal position?

A spleen located in an abnormal position is referred to as a wandering spleen. This condition occurs when the spleen is not adhered to its usual position in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, potentially resulting from an elongated splenic ligament that allows the spleen to move freely. The wandering spleen can lead to complications, such as torsion, which may compromise the blood supply to the organ.

The understanding of this condition is essential, as wandering spleen is often discovered incidentally during imaging studies and can sometimes present with abdominal pain or other symptoms due to its unusual location. Knowledge of anatomical variants like wandering spleen is important for clinicians to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate management.