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Journal of Medical Case Reports
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Case report

Possible infectious causes of spontaneous splenic rupture: a case report

Authors: Grace Y Lam, Adrienne K Chan, Jeff E Powis

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Introduction

Spontaneous atraumatic splenic rupture is a rare but dramatic occurrence that is most commonly attributed to infection or neoplasia. Deciphering the etiology can be challenging with many cases remaining unclear despite full investigation.

Case presentation

We report the case of a previously healthy and immunocompetent 52-year-old Caucasian woman with a remote history of clinically diagnosed infectious mononucleosis who experienced sudden atraumatic splenic rupture after an untreated stray cat bite.

Conclusions

The differential diagnosis for atraumatic splenic rupture, specifically its infectious causes, is reviewed. Key clinical and laboratory findings that differentiate Bartonella henselae infection and Epstein–Barr virus reinfection are reviewed.
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Metadata
Title
Possible infectious causes of spontaneous splenic rupture: a case report
Authors
Grace Y Lam
Adrienne K Chan
Jeff E Powis
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-8-396

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