title: Spontaneous splenic rupture in a patient with pneumonia and sepsis.
abstract: We present the case of a patient who presented with evidence of pneumonia, sepsis and anaemia but no significant abdominal signs. A routine abdominal ultrasound scan revealed evidence of spontaneous splenic rupture. He underwent splenectomy but passed away subsequently from respiratory complications. The many associations of spontaneous splenic rupture are discussed. The diagnosis should be considered in any patient presenting with shock and non-specific abdominal signs and in those with pre-existing conditions known to cause splenomegaly.
authors.affiliation: MRCP (UK) Specialist Registrar in General Medicine and Elderly Care. Departments of General Medicine and General Surgery. North Tyneside General Hospital. North Shields. Tyne & Wear. NE29 8NH.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Athey
authors.forename: Lorna L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Barton
authors.forename: Liam F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Horgan
authors.forename: Brian H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Wood