Spontaneous splenic rupture precipitated by cough: a case report and a review of the literature

Abstract

Spontaneous rupture of a normal spleen without a history of trauma is a rare clinical entity. We report on a case of atraumatic splenic rupture in a 61-year-old man who presented to the emergency department for abdominal pain and hypotension. There was no evidence of hematologic or infectious disease involving the spleen. The chronic cough described by the patient was the main trigger for the rupture. Although, spontaneous splenic rupture is rare, it is vital that physicians consider this diagnosis when evaluating patients with abdominal pain and hypotension. Failure to consider splenic rupture could be catastrophic and early diagnosis is essential for a better outcome.