A rare cause of acute abdomen: Splenic hematoma and rupture resulting from pancreatitis

Abstract

Splenic subcapsular hematoma and splenic rupture due to pancreatitis is a rare cause of acute abdomen. We report here a case of splenic hematoma and rupture resulting from a newly developing attack of pancreatitis due to drain life of pancreatic pseudocyst which had led to acute renal failure 4 months previously in a 38 year-old woman with chronic pancreatitis due to alcoholism. The patient underwent pancreatic necrosectomy and splenectomy, and was discharged on the 6th postoperative day without complication. We conclude that splenic hematoma, a complication of pancreatitis attack which may require emergency surgical intervention, must be kept in mind in order to make early diagnosis. Considering a possible subsequent attack of pancreatitis and determining follow-up criteria, radical treatment must be planned immediately. © Copyright 2013 by Turkish Surgical Association.