Spontaneous rupture of the spleen as a result of primary splenic lymphoma

Abstract

Spontaneous rupture of the spleen is a true surgical emergency that requires immediate management to prevent rapid exsanguination. It occurs mostly as a result of splenic infiltration by infectious or haematological diseases. We present a case of a 79-year-old male who was admitted to our emergency department with 3 days history of feeling unwell, abdominal pain, and dizziness, with no history of trauma. He was hypotensive, but all other observations were within normal limits. Examination revealed abdominal tenderness, mainly on the left side, with no palpable organs or masses. Computed tomography scan showed an abnormal spleen with signs of intraabdominal bleeding; emergency splenectomy was performed successfully. Histological examination showed infiltration of the spleen by diffuse large B cell lymphoma, which was later confirmed to be primary. The patient went through an uneventful post-operative recovery, and remains disease free so far.