title: Is the diagnosis of spontaneous rupture of a normal spleen valid?
abstract: Since Atkinson first described idiopathic rupture of a normal spleen in 1874, there has been controversy regarding the application of the terms "idiopathic" and "spontaneous". One such case is reported, and the validity of the description "idiopathic" or "spontaneous" discussed.
authors.affiliation: Cambridge Military Hospital, Aldershot, Hants.
authors.forename: I D
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: Crate
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Payne
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D013161:Splenic Rupture / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology