ruptured spleen

Etiology

• most splenic ruptures are spontaneous
• blunt abdominal trauma
• puncture wound of the spleen
• risk factors:
  • infectious mononucleosis usually within 1st 3 weeks of symptom onset
  • splenomegaly

Clinical manifestations

• abdominal pain
• left shoulder pain (Kehr sign)
• pericapsular pain

Radiology

• abdominal ultrasound
  • free fluid in abdomen &/or pelvis

Complications

• hypovolemia (tachycardia & hypotension)

Management

• conservative management without surgical intervention
• surgical splenectomy

More general terms

• spleen injury
• rupture
• internal hemorrhage

Additional terms

• spleen