DOI: 10.12890/2025_005734

Spontaneous splenic rupture as an uncommon complication of acute pancreatitis

Authors

  • Marco Antonio Rodriguez Sanchez Departamento de Medicina Interna, Centro de Investigación y Docencia en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Hospital Civil de Culiacán, Culiacán, México
  • Pedro Nieto Departamento de Medicina Interna, Centro de Investigación y Docencia en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Hospital Civil de Culiacán, Culiacán, México
  • Omar Morales Departamento de Medicina Interna, Centro de Investigación y Docencia en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Hospital Civil de Culiacán, Culiacán, México
  • Airam Lopez Departamento de Medicina Interna, Centro de Investigación y Docencia en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Hospital Civil de Culiacán, Culiacán, México
  • Luis Beltran Departamento de Medicina Interna, Centro de Investigación y Docencia en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Hospital Civil de Culiacán, Culiacán, México
  • Ramon Ruelas Departamento de Medicina Interna, Centro de Investigación y Docencia en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Hospital Civil de Culiacán, Culiacán, México
  • Juan Mendez Departamento de Medicina Interna, Centro de Investigación y Docencia en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Hospital Civil de Culiacán, Culiacán, México

marcorguez16@gmail.com

Keywords

Acute pancreatitis, spontaneous splenic rupture, exploratory laparotomy

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous splenic rupture (SSR) is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication of acute pancreatitis.
Case report: We present the case of a 26-year-old female with a history of chronic alcohol use and a recent hospitalization for acute pancreatitis, who presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan revealed necrotizing pancreatitis (Balthazar D) and a splenic collection. Following signs of hemodynamic instability and a critical drop in haemoglobin levels, an urgent exploratory laparotomy was performed.
Conclusion: Splenic complications in the context of acute or chronic pancreatitis are uncommon. A high index of clinical suspicion combined with early diagnosis through CT scan or other imaging modalities is crucial to improving prognosis. Given the potential for rapid deterioration, prompt and appropriate intervention can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with splenic rupture.

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References

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Published

2025-09-08

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 10 (2025)

Categories

How to Cite

1.
Rodriguez Sanchez MA, Nieto P, Morales O, Lopez A, Beltran L, Ruelas R. Spontaneous splenic rupture as an uncommon complication of acute pancreatitis. EJCRIM [Internet]. 2025 Sep. 8 [cited 2026 Nov. 3];12(10). Available from: https://ejcrim.com/index.php/ejcrim/article/view/5734

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