Simple hepatic cyst predisposing to spontaneous splenic rupture

Abstract

Simple hepatic cysts are mostly asymptomatic and rarely cause any complication. Liver cysts have been reported to cause portal hypertension which is a risk factor for splenic rupture. We report a case of a woman in her 70s who died from a splenic rupture. She complained of abdominal pain one day prior to death and was subsequently found collapsed on the floor the following morning. No direct impact to the chest or abdomen or other trauma was reported prior to death. Examination showed a 55 mm simple hepatic cyst located at the porta hepatis adjacent to the hepatic portal vein bifurcation.