title: Pathologic rupture of the spleen as the initial manifestation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
abstract: Pathologic splenic rupture is a rare and life-threatening complication of acute leukemia. It is even more uncommon as the initial manifestation, and only a few cases has been reported in the literature. Early recognition of this complication is vital because the prognosis is fatal without immediate treatment by splenectomy. We report the case of a spontaneous spleen rupture irreversibly complicating the onset of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a 19-year-old man, in spite of splenectomy. In our case abdominal ultrasound was a good, non-invasive diagnostic test. Therefore, we believe that the course of the underlying disease and the physical condition of the patient dramatically influenced the disease evolution.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bernat
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: García Boyero
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guinot
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: López
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gozalbo
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cañigral
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011693:Purpura / Q000209:etiology; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D013161:Splenic Rupture / Q000209:etiology*