Case Reports
Vol. 17 No. 1 (2021)
https://doi.org/10.4081/ecj.2021.9204

Splenic abscess leading to spontaneous splenic rupture

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Received: 23 June 2020
Accepted: 6 November 2020
Published: 18 March 2021
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Splenic abscess, splenic rupture, splenic hemorrhage, splenectomy

Authors

Annum A. Bhullar
Department of Emergency Medicine, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, CA, United States.
Caleb P. Canders
ccanders@mednet.ucla.edu
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4731-1899
Department of Emergency Medicine, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA, United States.
Amir Rouhani
Department of Emergency Medicine, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, CA, United States.
Steven Lai
Department of Emergency Medicine, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, CA, United States.

Spontaneous, atraumatic rupture of the spleen is an uncommon but potentially fatal cause of acute abdominal pain. Splenic abscesses are equally rare and can be a risk factor for spontaneous splenic rupture. We present a 45-year-old man with no past medical or surgical history who presented with acute worsening of left upper abdominal pain that had been present for months, who was discovered to have a ruptured spleen. Splenic abscess was discovered intra-operatively and was thought to have developed after dental work. Recognizing presenting features of spontaneous splenic rupture and understanding its potential causes, such as splenic abscesses, may prevent delayed or missed diagnosis and guide treatment, which typically includes emergent splenectomy.

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How to Cite



Splenic abscess leading to spontaneous splenic rupture. (2021). Emergency Care Journal, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/ecj.2021.9204