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Case Reports
. 2017 Aug 7:2017:bcr2017221336.
doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-221336.

Splenic rupture due to metastatic disease: a rare complication

Rachel Smith  1 , Dunecan Massey  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Splenic rupture due to metastatic disease: a rare complication

Rachel Smith et al. BMJ Case Rep. .

Abstract

We report a case of splenic rupture in an 83-year-old woman presenting with symptoms concerning for upper gastrointestinal malignancy. CT imaging revealed marked gastric thickening and a 33×33 mm splenic metastasis, with subsequent gastroscopy demonstrating a large lesion at the gastro-oesophageal junction. While awaiting further investigation, the patient developed acute onset left upper quadrant pain, peritonism and hypovolaemic shock. Urgent CT imaging demonstrated a ruptured spleen with extensive haemoperitoneum, necessitating emergency splenectomy.

Keywords: endoscopy; gastric cancer; gastrointestinal surgery; stomach and duodenum.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Contrast CT demonstrating 33×33 mm splenic metastasis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Gastroscopy revealing a bleeding gastro-oesophageal junction lesion within a carpet of fundal gland polyps.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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