Splenic rupture in community acquired pneumonia: A case report

Stephen Guy; Stefaan De Clercq

doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2016.10.054

Splenic rupture in community acquired pneumonia: A case report

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2016:29:85-87. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2016.10.054. Epub 2016 Oct 26.

Authors

Stephen Guy¹, Stefaan De Clercq²

Affiliations

¹ Gladstone Hospital, Park Street, Gladstone, QLD, 4680, Australia. Electronic address: stephen.guy2@health.qld.gov.au.
² Gladstone Hospital, Park Street, Gladstone, QLD, 4680, Australia.

Abstract

Introduction: Splenic rupture is a rare but potentially lethal complication of community acquired pneumonia.

Presentation of case: We present an unusual case of haemorrhagic shock following splenic rupture requiring emergency splenectomy in a 49 year old female with community acquired pneumonia.

Discussion: The epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, investigation, management and outcomes of atraumatic splenic rupture are discussed.

Conclusion: Atraumatic splenic rupture is a rare but potentially fatal complication of numerous disease processes including pneumonia. A high index of suspicion and a thorough and systematic approach to the deteriorating patient is required to prevent related morbidity and mortality. Post-operative follow-up must address the potential sequelae of asplenia.

Keywords: Case report; Community acquired pneumonia; Emergency splenectomy; Splenic rupture.