Spontaneous Splenic Rupture in Malaria Patients: Two Case Reports

Abstract

Atraumatic splenic rupture is a rare and life-threatening condition, if not diagnosed. We present two cases with a history of travel to endemic areas, who came to the emergency department with abdominal pain and were diagnosed to have spontaneous splenic rupture as a complication of severe malaria. Both patients were treated surgically by splenectomy. A high level of clinical suspicion is critical in every malaria patient presenting with abdominal pain, even if it is mild. Clinical imaging modalities like ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) are crucial diagnostic tools in managing such patients.