Spontaneous splenic rupture:: report of three new cases and review of the literature

This study reports 3 new cases of spontaneous (or atraumatic) splenic rupture of the spleen, including two with massive hemoperitoneum and one with-a. secondary rupture of splenic infarct, and reviews the literature, about this rare disease. These spontaneous ruptures are rare and potentially fatal. They result from infectious diseases (mainly mononucleosis and and paludism) and hematological diseases (mainly malignant hemopathies) in more than 50% of cases. Mortality is close to 20%, and includes some deaths occuring before diagnosis was established-and postoperatives deaths, which can result from delayed management and bad general condition of the patients. Splenectomy is usually mandatory. Non-surgical treatment can be indicated only in young and stable patients. (C) 2003 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS. Tons droits reserves.