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. 2013:14:13-5.
doi: 10.12659/AJCR.883739. Epub 2013 Jan 15.

Spontaneous splenic rupture: A rare life-threatening condition; Diagnosed early and managed successfully

Helen Weaver  1 , Vishal Kumar, Kate Spencer, Mohamed Maatouk, Sohail Malik
Affiliations

Spontaneous splenic rupture: A rare life-threatening condition; Diagnosed early and managed successfully

Helen Weaver et al. Am J Case Rep. 2013.

Abstract

Background: Splenic rupture is a potentially life-threatening condition, often associated with chest or abdominal trauma. Spontaneous rupture is very rare and is usually reported as being secondary to underlying pathological conditions.

Case report: We discuss the case of a 56 year old man who presented with sudden onset left-sided abdominal pain, with no history of trauma.

Conclusions: A computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed a ruptured spleen with free fluid in the abdomen. Conservative management was ineffective and the patient underwent laparotomy and splenectomy, followed by routine post-splenectomy management. He was discharged home and remains well.

Keywords: atraumatic; splenic rupture; unknown aetiology.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Coronal section of the Abdominal CT scan shows free fluid in the abdomen and a splenic haematoma.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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