Trivial Trauma and Non Pathological Delayed Splenic Rupture: A Case Report

Kim, Kwang Min; Kim, Kuk Jin; Kim, Hyun Chul

Abstract

Although a majority of patients with splenic rupture present acutely, up to 15% present with a delayed rupture days to weeks following a substantial abdominal injury. The mortality for patients presenting with acute splenic rupture is approximately 1% whereas that associated with delayed rupture approaches 15%. Although many cases of delayed splenic rupture have been reported, the majority of those reports present delayed splenic rupture associated with an underlying systemic disorder such as liver or kidney disease, or another hematologic disorder. We found a delayed splenic rupture case that documented the normal spleens of young healthy soldiers after trivial abdominal trauma, and we have had successful treatment experience with delayed rupture of a normal spleen after trivial trauma. Therefore, we want to review the literature and discuss the phenomenon of delayed rupture of the spleen following trivial trauma.