Occult splenic rupture: a case report

Abstract

We present a case of an atraumatic, occult rupture of the spleen. It is only in a distinct minority of cases, that the splenic capsule remains intact, thereby preventing intraperitoneal bleeding. Nevertheless, this condition can be accompanied by a severe loss of blood. A nonoperative management can be considered. Reviewing the literature on splenic rupture, the lack of uniformity in nomenclature is striking. The etiological and morphological classifications are reviewed.