Pathological rupture of the spleen associated with hepatitis A

Abstract

Spontaneous rupture of the spleen refers to rupture of a normal spleen in the absence of trauma. Atraumatic rupture of a diseased spleen is termed pathological rupture and has been described in a variety of pathological conditions. This report describes a case of pathological splenic rupture associated with hepatitis A confirmed by positive IgM antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, this case represents the sole verified example of this previously unrecognized life-threatening complication of hepatitis.