Spontaneous rupture of the spleen: three case reports and causative processes for the radiologist to consider

Br J Radiol. 2009 Jun;82(978):e111-3. doi: 10.1259/bjr/81440206.

Abstract

Splenic rupture is most commonly encountered after blunt abdominal trauma. Atraumatic spontaneous splenic rupture is a rarer entity and can occur in both histologically normal and diseased spleen. It has a high morbidity, as there is often little or no clinical history to suggest its presence, and is generally diagnosed after imaging. We describe three experiences of spontaneous splenic rupture at our institution and discuss possible causes for the radiologist to consider.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / complications
  • Abdominal Pain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hematoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hematoma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / diagnostic imaging
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / surgery
  • Splenic Rupture / diagnostic imaging*
  • Splenic Rupture / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome