title: Spontaneous splenic rupture: A rare life-threatening condition; Diagnosed early and managed successfully.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Splenic rupture is a potentially life-threatening condition, often associated with chest or abdominal trauma. Spontaneous rupture is very rare and is usually reported as being secondary to underlying pathological conditions.
  
  
  METHODS
  We discuss the case of a 56 year old man who presented with sudden onset left-sided abdominal pain, with no history of trauma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed a ruptured spleen with free fluid in the abdomen. Conservative management was ineffective and the patient underwent laparotomy and splenectomy, followed by routine post-splenectomy management. He was discharged home and remains well.
authors.affiliation: Department of Upper GI Surgery, Weston General Hospital, Weston-super-Mare, U.K.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Weaver
authors.forename: Vishal
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Spencer
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maatouk
authors.forename: Sohail
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Malik
keywords: atraumatic; splenic rupture; unknown aetiology