title: Splenic rupture associated with severe preeclampsia. A case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Splenic rupture is a very rare event complicating pregnancy. Approximately 5% of cases reported have involved the postpartum period. Unrecognized, this complication is universally fatal.
  
  
  METHODS
  Preeclampsia and pulmonary edema complicated a 42-year-old woman's intrapartum care. After cesarean delivery she was supported with mechanical ventilation, blood products and invasive monitoring. Shortly thereafter, she became hypotensive and developed disseminated intravascular coagulation. During exploratory laparotomy a splenic capsular rupture was identified. Splenectomy and continued intensive care support ultimately reversed the severe end-organ consequences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is extremely important that this condition be maintained in the diagnostic differential of post-operative hemodynamic instability. Failure to identify it is invariably fatal. Awareness and intervention are essential to ensure a good outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Louisiana State University Medical Center, Shreveport, USA.
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Barrilleaux
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Adair
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Lewis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000150:complications*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013156:Splenectomy; D013161:Splenic Rupture / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome