875 Atraumatic Splenic Rupture Secondary to Ruptured Pancreatic Pseudo Cyst- a Rare Phenomenon

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Chronic pancreatitis can be complicated by the development of a pancreatic pseudocyst in 20 – 40% of cases. Splenic rupture is usually associated with blunt trauma but can be associated with non-traumatic causes like pancreatic pseudocysts associated with chronic pancreatitis. Atraumatic splenic rupture (ASR) is rare, and a life-threatening process with a mortality of about 12%. Possible mechanisms of action of pancreatic pseudocysts causing ASR to have been described in literature, with some of them involving the action of proteolytic enzymes on the splenic vessels, parenchyma and hilum. Management of these cases involves resuscitation, and emergency splenectomy because they usually present with haemodynamic instability. Case report A 50-year-old woman with a background of pancreatic pseudocyst secondary to alcoholic chronic pancreatitis presented with severe left sided abdominal pain. A Computed Tomography (CT)scan confirmed the presence of splenic rupture with moderate haemoperitoneum. Emergency laparotomy revealed a ruptured and necrotic spleen adjacent to a ruptured pancreatic pseudocyst. A splenectomy was performed with abdominal packs left insitu with the view to a relook surgery 24 /48 hours later. She recovered uneventfully after HDU care. Conclusions ASR secondary to pancreatic pseudocyst as a complication of chronic pancreatitis is a rare phenomenon which requires a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. CT is the gold standard imaging modality for investigation in a haemodynamically stable patient. Management is surgical with adequate resuscitation and perioperative critical care.