title: Occult splenic rupture: a case report.
abstract: We present a case of an atraumatic, occult rupture of the spleen. It is only in a distinct minority of cases, that the splenic capsule remains intact, thereby preventing intraperitoneal bleeding. Nevertheless, this condition can be accompanied by a severe loss of blood. A nonoperative management can be considered. Reviewing the literature on splenic rupture, the lack of uniformity in nomenclature is striking. The etiological and morphological classifications are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, AZ Maria Middelares, Gent.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Baert
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Burvenich
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lagae
mesh_terms: D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006406:Hematoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D013161:Splenic Rupture / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*