title: The management of splenic rupture in infectious mononucleosis.
abstract: Non-operative management of splenic trauma is now well established; however, the role of conservative management in spontaneous splenic rupture is undetermined. The leading cause of spontaneous splenic rupture is infectious mononucleosis. We report on the management of four patients with spontaneous rupture, in association with infectious mononucleosis. Three patients eventually required splenectomy, and one was successfully managed non-operatively. The comparative risks of operative and non-operative management are discussed. We believe that when splenic rupture complicates infectious mononucleosis, early splenectomy is the most appropriate management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Christchurch Hospital, Otago, New Zealand.
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Rietveld
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Frizelle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007244:Infectious Mononucleosis / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010529:Peritoneal Cavity; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D013156:Splenectomy; D013161:Splenic Rupture / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*