J Korean Soc Traumatol.  2014 Dec;27(4):208-210. 10.0000/jti.2014.27.4.208.

Spontaneous Normal Splenic Rupture: A Case Report

• Lee SB
• Choi YI

• KMID: 2297775
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/jti.2014.27.4.208

Abstract

Rupture of the spleen is relatively common, both immediately and in a delayed fashion following significant blunt abdominal trauma. However, atraumatic splenic rupture rarely occurs. Multiple underlying pathologies have been associated with splenic rupture without trauma, including hematological, neoplastic, inflammatory and infectious conditions. In our case, a 21-year-old male without prior medical history visited the hospital with left upper quadrant abdominal pain that had started one day earlier. He had no history of trauma. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan found a collection of perisplenic fluid, accompanying a splenic rupture. Due to the patient's stable vital signs and lack of clinical progression of hemorrhage, he underwent conservative treatment. The patient was discharged at day 14 without complication. Rupture of a normal spleen without a history of trauma is not often reported, and it has long been a subject of debate. Ruptures of normal spleen almost always follow some kind of trauma, such as a car accidents or a fall from significant heights. Here, we report a case of spontaneous rupture of a normal spleen in the absence of other medical pathologies or triggering factors.

Keyword

Splenic rupture; Spontaneous

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Pain
Hemorrhage
Humans
Male
Pathology
Rupture
Rupture, Spontaneous
Spleen
Splenic Rupture*
Vital Signs
Young Adult