Non-traumatic Rupture of the Spleen:An Atypical Presentation of the Acute Abdomen

摘要

In most cases splenic rupture is due to trauma, however, spontaneous ruptures do occur. The reasons for these ruptures can be of diverse origin. These include diseases such as infection, neoplasia and infiltrative process. This can be one of the causes of an acute abdomen when a patient presents with abdominal pain, especially in the upper left quadrant. We present four patients and a review of the literature on this rare entity. The therapy of choice can vary between patients depending on grade of splenic rupture, hemodynamic instability, availability of endovascular treatment and preference of the treating physician. Treatment should be focused on preserving splenic tissue. Non-traumatic rupture of the spleen must be considered by physicians in patients presenting with acute abdominal pain even without evident history of trauma, since early recognition and treatment can prevent serious morbidity and mortality.